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 The minute boys of Long Island; a story o 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014492916 
 
THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND 
 
' LUTHER HAD A HOOK WHICH HE WAS USING AS A 
 PIKE." 
 
The Minute Boys of 
 Long Island 
 
 A STORY OF NEW YORK IN 1776 
 
 AS TOLD BY 
 
 EPHRAIM LYTTLE 
 JAMES OTIS 
 
 VUxtSttatth 
 By L. J. BRIDGMAN 
 
 BOSTON 
 DANA ESTES & COMPANY 
 
 PUBLISHERS 
 
Copyright, igoS 
 By Dana Estes & Company 
 
 All rights reserved 
 
 COLONIAL PRESS 
 
 Blectrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simmdt *• Co- 
 
 Boston, U.S.A. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. "We Three" ii 
 
 II. The " Declaration " 29 
 
 III. On Duty 48 
 
 IV. The Enemy 67 
 
 V. Unwelcome Visitors 83 
 
 VI. The Prisoner 104 
 
 VII. Making Ready for a Battle 122 
 
 VIII. Detected 141 
 
 IX. Turning the Tables 159 
 
 X. Important Information 176 
 
 XI. The Attack igS 
 
 XII. The Retreat 214 
 
 XIII. News of Abel 232 
 
 XIV. The Prison Ship 251 
 
 XV. A Rash Adventure 270 
 
 XVI. A Ray of Hope 289 
 
 XVII. Under Fire 307 
 
 XVIII. A Strong Swimmer 325 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 "Luther had a boat hook which he was 
 
 USING as a pike" (See page 2S) . Frontispiece 
 " I was standing before General Putnam " . 34 
 " ' Nearabout Gowanus Creek on Long 
 
 Island'" 75 
 
 « ' Move ever so little, an' I'll put a ball 
 
 through your head!'" .... lOI 
 "I'm allowin' that a single vessel . . . will 
 
 DO the trick this time'" . . . .153 
 " Men were making an attempt to gain a 
 
 FOOTHOLD ON THE SWIFTSURE'S DECK" . ig6 
 
 " ' They do not dare to pitch a heavy shot 
 
 AT us!'" 243 
 
 "The miserable whelp was swaggering to 
 
 and fro " 273 
 
THE 
 
 MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 " WE THREE." 
 
 When you come to think it over seriously, it 
 really seems that Abel Grant could not be blamed 
 for laughing and saying that we were " outgrowing 
 our clothes," in selecting the name of Minute Boys 
 of Long Island for three lads — Abraham Decker, 
 Samuel Garratt and myself, neither of whom had 
 yet passed his fifteenth year; but how else could it 
 be shown that we were heart and soul with the 
 Cause, or that we burned to have a hand in upset- 
 ting the king's authority in this land which our 
 fathers have wrested from the savages and the wil- 
 derness. 
 
 It was when the base plot of Governor Tryon's 
 was unmasked that we decided it was time for us 
 to show the Tories of Long Island, who out-num- 
 bered the loyal men eight to one, that there were 
 some who would lay down their lives, if needs be, 
 for freedom from British misrule. 
 
 We three lived within half a gunshot of each 
 other on the shore of Wallabout bay, and owned, 
 because of having built her from keel to mast- 
 
 II 
 
12 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 head, the sloop Swiftsure, in which we often sailed 
 to New York when our fathers failed in finding 
 work to occupy our time at home. 
 
 When the first inkling of Tryon's plot was made 
 known, even the Tories of the island were eager to 
 hear what might be going on, and the consequence 
 was that not a man remained at home, because of 
 the great excitement, therefore were we three at 
 liberty to do very nearly as we pleased, so that we 
 did not disregard any rules of the household pre- 
 viously laid down. 
 
 At Israel Dyker's dock, on the New York side, 
 we were allowed to moor our sloop whenever we 
 pleased, and Master Dyker's son Jethro, who cared 
 for his father's boats, was ever willing to keep a 
 watchful eye over ours. Therefore it was we three 
 lads could go and come much as we pleased, save, 
 which needs not the saying, when we had work at 
 home to occupy our time. In ordinary seasons boys 
 on a farm would have but few idle ' nurs at their 
 disposal; but at this particular season little was 
 thought or talked of except the attempt to throw 
 aside the yoke which the king had made heavier and 
 heavier each day, until our people would have been 
 worse than curs had they submitted tamely to the 
 injustice and oppression. 
 
 Even the lads talked politics in those days, and 
 we knew full well what was being done in behalf of 
 the colonies, even as we did the many devices of 
 our enemies to grind us yet further into the dust. 
 
 The Cause had but few friends on Long Island 
 in that year of 1776, and perhaps we who favored 
 it were bound more closely together by the knowl- 
 edge that among our neighbors the Tories out- 
 numbered us at least eight to one. Therefore it 
 
" WE THREE." 13 
 
 was that when information of the dastardly plot 
 against Washington and some of the other generals 
 began to leak out, we — meaning boys as well as 
 men who were for independence — were not a little 
 concerned regarding our own safety. It was known 
 full well that Governor Tryon himself was at the 
 head of the cowardly movement, and if he could 
 find people willing to strike a blow against the lead- 
 ers of our movement, what might we not expect 
 from our Tory neighbors who had private scores to 
 settle with many of us? 
 
 Thus it can be seen that when we three lads 
 bound ourselves together by solemn oaths to stand 
 up against any who might try to lay hands on 
 either of us, it was by no means a childish game 
 we were playing at. Even Abel Grant admitted 
 that we were wise in organizing for our own de- 
 fense; but he took it upon himself to laugh at the 
 high-sounding name we gave to our federation. 
 
 " It may chance we shall find others who will be 
 glad to join the Minute Boys of Long Island, and 
 if we could get together no more than twelve, let 
 me tell you, Abel Grant, it would be within our 
 power to do considerable for the Cause. A round 
 dozen of boys, from fourteen to sixteen years of 
 age, could come near, under certain circumstances, 
 to doing the work of as many men, more particularly 
 if the war should be brought here on our own 
 island." 
 
 I spoke hotly, and Abel, seeing that he had rubbed 
 us a trifle harder than was friendly, made haste to 
 say: 
 
 " I grant you, Ephraim, that even no more than 
 three lads, with such a sloop as you own, could 
 do very much at certain times, an' I am not be- 
 
14 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 littlin' the general idee. Of course there's no 
 chance we shall see anything of war here on the 
 island ; but yet — " 
 
 " And why not ? " Abraham interrupted quickly. 
 " My father says the Britishers will soon come to 
 drive the Colonial forces out of New York, an' 
 when that is done this island of ours is the very 
 likeliest place on which to make a landin'." 
 
 " I won't attempt to set up my opinion against 
 your father's, Abe; but at the same time I've got 
 the right, or shall have when the Congress declares 
 us free an' independent, to believe whatsoever I 
 please. Jest now, however, there's scant reason 
 why we should spend overly much time tryin' to 
 figger what the Britishers will do next month or 
 next year, 'cause things are gettin' a mite hot on 
 the New York side. Master Goodhue came over 
 from market this mornin', an' says the plot of 
 Tryon's is common news. One of General Wash- 
 ington's own guardsmen has been arrested, an' 
 Master Forbes, the gunsmith, is in prison. Why 
 not take a run over this afternoon, an' give me a 
 passage ? " 
 
 There was no need for Abel to spend very much 
 breath in favor of either proposition. The news 
 that arrests had already been made fired us as 
 nothing else could have done, and, without wait- 
 ing to learn whether one or all of us might be 
 needed at home, we set about making ready for the 
 voyage, the conversation I have set down being 
 carried on at the head of the cove where the Swift- 
 sure was anchored. 
 
 In a twinkling, so excited were we by the news 
 Abel gave us, the sloop was under way, and our 
 
"WE THREE." 15 
 
 passenger began repeating all he had heard from 
 Master Goodhue. 
 
 He was a long while in the telling, as if thereby 
 he might pay the better price for his passage; but, 
 boiled down into a reasonably short story, and 
 added to what we already knew, the facts in the 
 matter were much like this : 
 
 In some way, I can't say how, General Wash- 
 ington had discovered that Governor Tryon, Mayor 
 Mathews, Gilbert Forbes, the gunsmith whose shop 
 is on the Broadway, and perhaps a dozen other 
 Tories, had in hand a plot to seize Washington as 
 prisoner and deliver him over to Sir William 
 Howe. In order to do this, or to aid in capturing 
 the officers of the Colonial army, the magazine was 
 to be blown up, and every road leading from the 
 city taken possession of by the Tories, who had 
 already enlisted more than five hundred curs vile 
 enough to take up arms for that king who had 
 treated them more like cattle than human beings. 
 
 Two of General Washington's bodyguard, to- 
 gether with about a dozen citizens, had been arrested 
 that morning. All save the two traitorous soldiers 
 had been sent to a prison in Connecticut, where 
 there was little fear the Britishers could do any- 
 thing toward effecting their release, and the mem- 
 bers of the guard who had sold their honor for the 
 king's gold, were to be tried by a military court that 
 very day. 
 
 Who can wonder, in the face of such news, that 
 we found the city fairly boiling with excitement 
 when we landed from the sloop, after making her 
 fast at Master Dyker's dock? 
 
 As a matter of course, we went directly to Bowl- 
 
l6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 ing Green, knowing that there would be found all 
 the idle gossipers of the city, and it was as if some 
 great revel was going on, so many people had gath- 
 ered. We were not long in learning that Master 
 Goodhue had told us no more than the truth; but 
 what seemed yet worse, we heard many of the 
 throng speaking as if they were saddened because 
 the plot had been discovered. 
 
 " I had not believed there were so many Tories 
 in New York," Sam whispered to me as we stood 
 near a group of five who were speculating upon the 
 possibility of lending some aid to those who were 
 accused. " We have got used to hearin' them on 
 the island, for it is there we raise that kind of cattle ; 
 but here I supposed the greater portion of the cit- 
 izens were real men," and Abe added : 
 
 " I fail of understandin' how a man with any de- 
 gree of respect for himself, can take sides with the 
 king against his own countrymen." 
 
 " There's more than that in this world you can't 
 understand, Abe Decker," was said in a mocking 
 voice just behind me, and I turned to see Luther 
 Stedman, the son of that Tory Stedman who lives 
 on the island near the ferry, a lad whom I had 
 counted as a friend until learning that he, like his 
 father, believed the king to be more of a god than a 
 man. 
 
 " Perhaps my head ain't any thicker than yours," 
 Abe replied quickly and hotly, " an' then again, per- 
 haps I've been brought up to have less love for curs 
 that are ready, for the sake of a fat bone, to bite 
 those who have been friends." 
 
 By this Abe meant to hit Luther on the fact that 
 his father had been trying for no one knows how 
 long, to get the appointment of officer of the cus- 
 
"WE THREE." 17 
 
 toms, and only lately, when the king was no longer 
 able to collect duties in New York, had he received 
 any encouragement. 
 
 It goes without saying that Luther took fire in 
 an instant, and but for Sam, who stepped between 
 them, the two lads might have come to blows then 
 and there, even though the watch would have made 
 them prisoners in a twinkling. 
 ■ Quickly though Sam moved, mischief was worked, 
 for Abe's anger was too hot to permit of guarding 
 his tongue, and he foolishly made threats as to what 
 should be done if Luther's father continued to toady 
 to the king's officers as he had been doing. Of 
 course I do not count it a mischief for a fellow 
 to stand up boldly for the Cause ; but when he lives 
 in a neighborhood where eight out of every nine 
 are Tories, then is it foolish for him to make 
 threats, since it only serves to call particular atten- 
 tion to himself and his friends. 
 
 " We'll clip your wings a bit, before this thing 
 is settled," Luther cried in a rage. " Those who 
 live in our section of the island are, except for a few 
 like the Deckers, the Garratts, and the Lyttles, hon- 
 est, law-abiding people who will not brook sedi- 
 tious talk from man or boy. You think your raga- 
 muffin army is able to stand against the king's 
 troops simply because they happen to be holdin' this 
 town ; but just wait until the English ships give you 
 a call! The idea of boys like you talking about a 
 plot, when his majesty's servants are doing what 
 they may to put down traitors! Before we're a 
 week older I'll show you how such as you should be 
 treated, and that without heed to the imitation sol-> 
 diers you've got here ! " 
 
 " And I'll show — " 
 
l8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Abe had begun to reply while he was literally 
 trembling with rage, and, fearing lest more should 
 be said than was wise, I covered his mouth with 
 my hand, at the same time forcing him away from 
 the young Tory. 
 
 " Let me go ! " he cried fiercely, when I gave 
 him opportunity to speak but at the same time, with 
 the aid of Sam and Abel Grant, continued to force 
 him away from Luther's neighborhood. " That 
 scoundrel shan't have the satisfaction of believing he 
 has frightened me ! " 
 
 I did not dare to hold him longer against his will, 
 and was well nigh at my wits end to know how a 
 street brawl might be prevented at less cost than a 
 quarrel betwixt him and me, when Abel interrupted 
 happily : 
 
 " A fine Minute Boy you'll make, Abraham 
 Decker, if, for the sake of rufflin' a Tory's feathers, 
 you let your tongue run away with you ! Of how 
 much service can you be to the Cause if you begin 
 by puttin' it in the minds of those who are strongest, 
 to get you out of the way, as will be done in case 
 Luther Stedman convinces his father that it is in 
 your power to do aught against the king? " 
 
 A bucket full of cold water could not have had 
 more effect on a setting hen, than did these words 
 on Abraham. On the instant his anger subsided, 
 and in its stead must have come a feeling of shame 
 because of his folly, if one could judge from the 
 deep flush that overspread his face. 
 
 Nor was this the only brawl we were like to have 
 taken part in that afternoon. On every hand words 
 ran high; it was as if men had suddenly been en- 
 raged to a white heat, and those spoke intemper- 
 
"WE THREE." 19 
 
 ately who at almost any other time would have re- 
 mained silent. A self-respecting Whig could keep 
 his tongue between his teeth only with difficulty, 
 and many of the Tories were so wrought up by the 
 knowledge that their deeply-laid plot had been dis- 
 covered, that they gave words to thoughts which 
 were in the highest degree dangerous while our 
 people held possession of the town. 
 
 It yet lacked a full two hours to sunset when I 
 proposed that we return home, for, to tell the truth, 
 it had come to my mind that we might get into se- 
 rious trouble by remaining at such a time ; but Abel 
 Grant and my comrades were so eager to learn 
 everything they could regarding the plot, it was im- 
 possible for me, without showing myself in the 
 highest degree selfish, to do other than consult their 
 pleasure. I did not, however, give way without 
 exacting a price. 
 
 " If we loiter around here where so much is be- 
 ing done to arouse the anger of those friendly to the 
 Cause, there is good chance we shall find ourselves 
 locked up on a charge of disturbing the peace," I 
 said, laughing lest they should suspect how much of 
 fear was in my heart. " Now if you lads will go 
 with me on board the sloop, we'll leave Abel to pick 
 up all the gossip, and when his budget is full he 
 shall come to us." 
 
 Abe and Sam were unwilling to tear themselves 
 away from the excited throng so soon; but because 
 of what had already happened Abraham could not 
 make very loud protest against my plan, and I soon 
 won over the third of our newly-made Minute Boys. 
 
 We three walked slowly back to Master Dyker's 
 dock with our ears pricked up to hear all that might 
 
20 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 be said as we passed along, and once having arrived, 
 heard that w^hich was Uke to make our stay a long 
 one. 
 
 " Your father has been here, Ephraim," Jethro 
 Dyker said as we went on the dock, " an' has left 
 word that you are to stay aboard the sloop until he 
 an' Abe's father come again, even though they 
 should not show themselves till the morrow." 
 
 " Then we had best go back to the Green, where 
 is a chance to enjoy ourselves," Sam cried in delight, 
 and Abe would have joined him in the suggestion, 
 but that I said in a tone which showed I could not be 
 moved to change my mind: 
 
 " It is not safe for Abraham to go among the 
 Tories this day. He has already shown that he 
 cannot hold his tongue at the proper time, there- 
 fore he an' I will stay aboard the sloop. Go if you 
 will, Sam; but do not remain away very long lest 
 our fathers should arrive in a hurry to go home." 
 
 I had hardly more than ceased speaking before 
 Sam was off at full speed, and, grumbling not a 
 little, Abe went into the small cabin as if to indulge 
 in a fit of the sulks. To prevent anything of the 
 kind I followed, copying my coinrade's movements 
 by throwing myself into the bunk opposite the one 
 of which he had taken possession. 
 
 It may be well to say that we had outfitted the 
 Swiftsure in such a manner as would allow us to take 
 long cruises in her, and not only had fair arrange- 
 ments for sleeping ; but there was in the small cabin 
 a tiny stove whereon we could make into chowder or 
 a fry, the fish we caught. More than once had we 
 lived aboard four days without inconvenience, and 
 much to our comfort and pleasure. 
 
 At first I tried to talk with my companion about 
 
"WE THREE." 21 
 
 what we had seen and heard ; but he was in such a 
 humor that I soon gave it up as a bad job, and lay 
 stretched out at full length speculating upon the 
 possibility of serving the Cause as Minute Boys, 
 when there came a heavy blow which caused the 
 sloop to rock to and fro, thus telling that some per- 
 son had jumped on board from the dock. 
 
 Believing our visitor to be Jethro Dyker, I did 
 not so much as raise my head until a second shock 
 was felt, and I heard a strange voice ask: 
 
 " Do you know who owns this craft ? " 
 
 It was Luther Stedman who replied, and you 
 may fancy that I pricked up my ears at once, when 
 he said: 
 
 " She belongs to a scoundrelly lot of Whigs who 
 live near my home. They are down on Bowling 
 Green getting what comfort is possible out of the 
 discovery of the plot, an' are not likely to come 
 this way until we are well off." 
 
 " The Whigs will surely make trouble for you, 
 if it is known you had a hand in this matter, and 
 it will be in their power to do so until the king's 
 troops take possession of New York." 
 
 " They haven't many days left for their traitor- 
 ous worlf, an' we must take the chances in order to 
 help our friends. It is certain some one who had 
 been trusted with all the secrets, has turned infor- 
 mer, an' no one can say how soon more arrests will 
 follow." 
 
 " Will your father be on the look-out for us ? " 
 
 " If he finds our man at the place agreed upon. 
 It may be, however, that the mischief has already 
 been done, an' Master Campbell is a prisoner with 
 the others, in which case we can leave this sloop at 
 the rendezvous an' go our way." 
 
22 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Here was a fine state of affairs, and he would 
 have been a dummy who could not understand from 
 what had already been said, the whole situation. 
 I believed this " Master Campbell " of whom they 
 spoke, was a ship-owner whose office was near to 
 Peck Slip. I had often heard him spoken of as 
 a sneaking Tory who was willing to do the Cause 
 whatsoever of harm he might, and would not be- 
 grudge his dollars if they might aid in riveting upon 
 us the king's chains more firmly. 
 
 There was no question in my mind but that Lu- 
 ther Stedman and his companion, whoever that 
 might be, were trying to save this same Master 
 Campbell from arrest, and because of seeing us 
 three lads at Bowling Green apparently intent on 
 what was going on, the Tories believed there would 
 be no opposition to taking possession of our craft. 
 I had brought Abraham on board in order to pre- 
 vent him from getting into trouble through his 
 tongue, and lo! had set him down in the very midst 
 of Tory plots, where actual fighting would be neces- 
 sary to save us from lending aid to our enemies. 
 
 Verily the Minute Boys of Long Island had work 
 cut out for them before having fairly come together 
 as an organization! 
 
 I looked across the cabin at Abe, and saw that 
 his eyes were open wide, staring at me as if to ask 
 what should be done, and for the moment I was 
 puzzled to find an answer. 
 
 The Tories had already begun to get the sloop 
 under way, as could be told by the scuffling and the 
 dragging of ropes across the deck. It was reason- 
 able to suppose Luther's companion was somewhere 
 near his own size, therefore would we be about 
 evenly matched in the fight which was so near at 
 
"WE THREE." 23 
 
 hand, for, without understanding exactly how it was 
 to be opened, I knew we two lads were in for a des- 
 perate row. It was not within the range of possi- 
 bilities that the royalist sneaks, after having got thus 
 far in the plan to save Master Campbell from arrest, 
 would quietly give up possession of our sloop. 
 
 It was while I was turning the matter over hastily 
 in my mind, understanding that we must set about 
 the task in such a manner as to insure success other- 
 wise we were in for rough handling, that Abe 
 slipped softly out of the bunk, making no more 
 noise than a mouse might, and was working his way 
 across the cabin toward me. While so doing it 
 would, perhaps, be possible for him to get a glimpse 
 of the Tories through the narrow opening to the 
 cuddy, and I was well content to wait until we could 
 talk one with another, more particularly since I 
 had not been able to hit upon any scheme for open- 
 ing the battle. 
 
 Before he was by the side of my bunk the heeling 
 of the sloop told that she was free of the dock, and 
 the voyage, wherever it was to end, had begun with 
 a wind sufficiently strong to give the Swiftsure a 
 good chance to show her heels, which, as I knew 
 full well, were more speedy than any craft of her 
 size in New York harbor. 
 
 " Where are they headin' for ? " Abe asked of me 
 in a cautious whisper. 
 
 " Into the Hudson river, most like. Did you see 
 the other fellow? " I asked in turn. 
 
 " Ay, an' so far as size goes he should be able to 
 answer for both you an' me. We can't afford to 
 stay idle many minutes, for if they find we're 
 aboard, it will be a simple matter to shut us up in 
 a trap with no chance for striking a blow." 
 
24 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Shall we make a rush now? " 
 
 " As soon as we can find somethin' in the way of 
 weapons. This isn't likely to be child's play, an' 
 when we get in a blow it must count, for they will 
 do their best to disable us, without givin' heed as to 
 whether a life be taken or not." 
 
 Immediately we had thus spoken Abe set about 
 searching for something that would serve him, and 
 it can well be imagined that I followed his exam- 
 ple without loss of time. 
 
 It was not possibly to find exactly that which we 
 wanted and at the same time move so silently as 
 to avoid attracting the attention of those on deck; 
 but when it seemed to me as if we had spent a dan- 
 gerously long while in the search, I came upon a 
 spare tiller — a stout oaken stick nearly thirty 
 inches long, and Abe had wrenched off one of the 
 stove legs. This done we crouched for an instant 
 just inside the cuddy door, as my comrade whis- 
 pered : 
 
 " Because of what was said on the Green, I claim 
 the right tO' go first. Let me get but one clip at 
 Luther, an' I'll warrant he won't have any further 
 interest in the row. Then both of us can tackle 
 the big fellow, an' even at that, the odds won't be 
 much more than even." 
 
 I could not have prevented him from doing as he 
 had said, even though I felt so disposed, for at that 
 instant Luther Stedman's ugly face appeared at the 
 cuddy hatch, his eyes bulging with surprise and fear 
 at seeing us. 
 
 " You miserable Tory whelp ! " Abe shouted as 
 he sprang full at the fellow, aiming a blow which 
 would have put Luther out of the fight for some 
 time to come had it been delivered fairly. 
 
"WE THREE." 25 
 
 Unfortunately, however, Abe stumbled ever so 
 slightly, and the Tory so far dodged that the stove 
 leg struck his shoulder instead of his head, where 
 it should have landed. 
 
 The big fellow was at the helm ; but he dropped 
 the tiller in a twinkling, springing at us like a cat, 
 and even from the passing glimpse I had, it was pos- 
 sible to understand that we had considerable work 
 cut out for us if we were to get the best of the 
 squabble. 
 
 Of what was done during the first two or three 
 minutes, I have no very clear idea, for it was as 
 rough and tumble a fight as I ever had a hand in. 
 I knew, however, that we were nearly off the bat- 
 tery when Abe and I came out of the cabin ; that the 
 sloop was singing dangerously close inshore, and 
 that Luther had a boat-hook which he was using as 
 a pike. As to other details I gave no heed, having 
 quite as much of business on hand as could well 
 be attended to just at the time. 
 
 The big fellow had not waited to arm himself; 
 but came into the fray empty-handed, and the first 
 blow he struck felled me like an ox, for I received 
 it just between the eyes. Fortunately I fell on the 
 deck instead of into the cabin, and when I came 
 to my senses and my feet at about the same time, 
 Luther was lying not far away with the blood flow- 
 ing from his mouth and nose, while Abe and the 
 big fellow were rolling over and over in the cock- 
 pit, the Tory evidently having the best of it. 
 
 All the while the sloop was rolling and thumping 
 against the battery dock as if bent on staving every 
 timber in her hull, and the waves, for the fresh 
 breeze had kicked up considerable of a sea, were 
 drenching all of us in great shape. I could dimly 
 
26 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 hear cries from the shore, as if those there were 
 aware of what was going on but I gave no heed to 
 them, knowing full well that Abe stood sorely in 
 need of aid. 
 
 Although I moved as lively as ever a fellow could 
 who was more than half dazed from the first blow, 
 I did not get into the cockpit in time to save Abe 
 from a wicked clip that caused him to sink back on 
 the timbers like one dead, and then the big Tory 
 turned his attention to me. 
 
 I had sense enough remaining to understand that 
 my only show was to come into close action, for the 
 fellow was my better at arm's lengths, and I grap- 
 pled at once, wondering how long it would be pos- 
 sible to stand him off, when I heard as if from afar 
 off the cry: 
 
 " It strikes me that the Minute Boys of Long 
 Island are gettin' a bit more than they counted on ! " 
 and then it seemed as if Sam was standing close be- 
 side the Tory and me. 
 
 After that all was darkness, with the sensation 
 as if I had suddenly been deprived of breath, and I 
 knew no more until, having been dragged into the 
 cabin, I heard Abel Grant cry cheerily : 
 
 " Don't waste the whole afternoon comin' 'round, 
 Ephraim, for you've had nothin' worse than a bit 
 of a chokin'." 
 
 Staggering to my feet I saw Abel at the helm, 
 and understood from the heel of the sloop that she 
 was under way. Near at hand was Sam, tying a 
 bit of cloth which looked as if it might have been 
 his own shirt-sleeve, around Abe's head, and fur- 
 ther on lay the big Tory lashed hand and foot with 
 ropes. 
 
 "Where did you come from?" I asked stupidly 
 
"WE THREE." 27 
 
 of Sam, and he replied with a laugh, as if that 
 which we had been engaged in was nothing more 
 than innocent sport: 
 
 " The sloop must have known that it was a case 
 of all the Minute Boys to the rescue, for she fell 
 afoul of the dock within a dozen feet of where 
 Abel an' I were standin'. We saw her comin' 
 down under full sail, an' wondered why you had 
 got under way. Then the stranger at the helm 
 suddenly ran forward, an' by the time she was off 
 where we stood, it would have been a blind man 
 who couldn't see that you fellows had got into 
 some kind of a mess. We didn't come aboard any 
 too soon, an' that's a fact." 
 
 "Where are you headin' for?" I asked, still 
 feeling dizzy and with a most uncomfortable feel- 
 ing in my stomach. 
 
 " Anywhere ! " Abel shouted from the helm. 
 " There were too many Tories ashore to make it 
 safe anchorage, so we put out into the stream till 
 things were cleaned up a bit. Now if you an' Abe 
 have got your wits about you enough to let us 
 know why these passengers are aboard, we'd like 
 to hear the story." 
 
 Abe could not very well act as spokesman while 
 Sam was tying his head up, therefoi-e, in the fewest 
 words possible, I told all we knew concerning the 
 plans of the Tories, adding in conclusion : 
 
 " The sooner we set 'em ashore an' get back to 
 where our fathers will be lookin' for the sloop, the 
 better." 
 
 " Not a bit of it," Abel, replied stoutly. " I ain't 
 one of these 'ere Minute Boys that are downed 
 the first fight they run into, consequently it don't 
 stand me in hand to take command; but I've got 
 
28 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 sense enough to know that these precious Tories 
 need to be turned over to some of our people, in- 
 stead of bein' let go scott free." 
 
 " To what end ? " I asked irritably, for it seemed 
 to me that the sooner we got out of the muddle the 
 better, while tO' make any effort to deliver the 
 Tories up as prisoners would only result in our 
 coming into more trouble. 
 
 " To the end that we act as honest men should. 
 We'll stand in-shore a bit further on, an' you or 
 Sam shall go up to headquarters, there to tell what 
 has been done, an' to learn if these precious scoun- 
 drels are needed." 
 
 " Abel is right," Abraham said, for now that 
 the bandage was in place he could speak. " We 
 have no right to let the matter drop as if it con- 
 cerned us only, an' now if ever is the time when 
 we may show that even a company of only three 
 Minute Boys can do somewhat in aid of the Cause." 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE " DECLARATION." 
 
 It was useless for me to say anything against 
 this project of deHvering the prisoners to the mil- 
 itary authorities, even had I been so disposed, for 
 all my companions were set in favor of it; yet one 
 had no more right than another to say what should 
 be done. 
 
 Therefore it was I held my peace, noting at the 
 same time that Luther was gazing at me fixedly 
 from where he lay bound in much the same fashion 
 as the big Tory. 
 
 On the instant it flashed across my mind that 
 the scoundrelly cur was hoping I might oppose the 
 proposition to hold him and his comrade prisoners, 
 for when I gave in to the plan a look both of anger 
 and disappointment overspread his face, and if any- 
 thing had been needed to convince me of the course 
 we ought to pursue, this would have been sufficient. 
 
 " Have it your own way," I said, more as in- 
 formation to Luther Stedman than because the 
 words were needed. " The question is at what 
 point we had best land, and who shall go ashore 
 to acquaint our people with what has been done." 
 
 " That is for you to do," Sam replied quickly, 
 thus showing that he had settled the details in his 
 own mind. " It would fall naturally to either you 
 
 29 
 
30 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 or Abe, since I am not skillful in the art of wag- 
 ging my tongue, and if you will but take one look 
 at Master Decker it can plainly be seen that he is 
 not in proper condition to show himself among 
 strangers." 
 
 " It will be the worst day's work you ever did, 
 this delivering us up to the Whigs ! " Luther cried 
 savagely. " Set us ashore, free and without delay, 
 and I promise to hold my peace concerning the 
 afternoon's work; but so surely as you carry out 
 that which has been agreed upon, so certainly will 
 every Royalist on our island lay it up against you 
 as a debt which shall be repaid soon, and with 
 interest." 
 
 " It is exceedingly kind of you. Master Stedman, 
 to agree upon holding your peace if we set you 
 ashore," Abel Grant said with a laugh of derision. 
 " I should be ashamed of these lads if they allowed 
 such as you to frighten them with threatenin' words. 
 So far as my part of the debt is concerned, I will 
 willingly pay it when you an' hundreds of your 
 kidney put me in such a position that it is impos- 
 sible to help myself." 
 
 If a look could have killed, then of a verity 
 would Abel Grant have died at that moment, for 
 Luther shot at him a glance such as I have never 
 seen equaled for venom or hatred. 
 
 Abel had already turned the sloop's bow shore- 
 ward, evidently counting on striking the bulkhead 
 at the foot of Market Street, and while one might 
 have counted twenty no member of our party 
 spoke. Then it was the big fellow who took it 
 upon himself to conduct the conversation, and he 
 was more wise than Luther had been inasmuch as 
 he began to cajole instead of threaten us. 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 3 1 
 
 " It is easy to see that you four be lads of spirit ; 
 in fact, it would seem much as if you had writ proof 
 of it on my head. Now because we would have 
 used your sloop to our advantage, and not only 
 failed in the effort, but have been decidedly worsted, 
 I am asking if it is the part of brave fellows to 
 carry the job so far as to deliver us to those who, 
 because we are in a different way of thinking, 
 might so twist that which has happened this after- 
 noon as to make it much to our disadvantage ? " 
 
 " Do you count it as a joke to steal a boat in 
 order to save from arrest a man who had been 
 plotting murder that he might deliver the town up 
 to the Britishers ? " I asked sternly, and he, with 
 such a show of friendliness as would have deceived 
 me had I not received good proof of his enmity, 
 said quietly: 
 
 " Because of the turmoil in the streets this day, 
 you have come to fancy that everything which takes 
 place has some connection with what you have 
 heard about the pretended plot. In this case, how- 
 ever, are you wronging a friend of yours and a 
 friend of his country." 
 
 " We are not minded to count Luther Stedman 
 as a friend," Abe interrupted savagely, and the big 
 Tory went on with a smile : 
 
 " Be that as it may ; I will change the offending 
 words so that they shall stand ' a neighbor of yours 
 and his friend,' and whatever there may be of 
 personal grievances between you and my comrade 
 here, you surely at such a time as this, when an 
 innocent man may easily be credited with doing 
 wrong, would not work a wilful injury, else am I 
 mistaken in your faces. We who have been worsted 
 in what I claim to have been a fair fight, accepting 
 
32 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the defeat in manly fashion, ask that the matter 
 may come to an end by our going quietly away 
 whithersoever we may." 
 
 " But what about that debt Luther Stedman has 
 spoken of ? " Abel asked fiercely. 
 
 " Merely idle words ; he has not gotten over be- 
 ing hot because we were worsted, and spoke without 
 due heed." 
 
 By this time the boat had run alongside the bulk- 
 head at the foot of Market Street, and I, not minded 
 to continue a useless discussion with enemies, leaped 
 ashore. 
 
 It had been decided by my comrades that I should 
 be the one to lay information before General Put- 
 nam, and noting how useless any further protest 
 would be, I hastened away to acquit myself of the 
 task that we might the sooner return to Master 
 Dyker's dock, where perchance my father might 
 already be awaiting me. 
 
 It was not a simple matter to gain entrance to 
 headquarters once I had arrived opposite. The 
 guard outside had been redoubled, probably since 
 the discovery of the Tory plot, and during ten 
 minutes or more I argued and coaxed in vain to 
 be brought before General Putnam. 
 
 The soldiers, not believing a lad of my age could 
 have important business with the commander at 
 such a time, refused even to listen unless I was 
 willing to explain all my purpose, and since this I 
 refused positively to do, it seemed much as though 
 I might not succeed. Very like I should have failed 
 utterly, but for the fact that in the very nick of 
 time, when I was pleading most earnestly. Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom. one of the few Whigs on our 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 33 
 
 island who had enlisted in the American Army, 
 came my way. 
 
 To him I appealed with such earnestness that 
 he could not fail of giving ear, and because of know- 
 ing that my father was one of the staunchest 
 Whigs on Wallabout bay, he was disposed to do 
 whatsoever he might. 
 
 " It is of the utmost importance that I have 
 speech as soon as may be with General Putnam, 
 because of somethin' which has happened within 
 the hour concernin' Luther Stedman, whose 
 father, as you well know, is that Tory who has 
 been tryin' so long for an appointment in the 
 Customs. More than this I cannot say; but if you 
 will conduct me to the general then am I willin' 
 you should be present durin' the interview." 
 
 " I am thinking it would be General Putnam 
 who'd say how many should be present," the lieu- 
 tenant replied with a laugh ; " but I will do what- 
 soever may be, believing you would not have so 
 spoken unless with serious reason." 
 
 Now I was afraid of having gone almost too 
 far, for what Abel Grant and my comrades thought 
 was a " serious reason," might not so appear to 
 the commander when my story was told; but I 
 had gotten thus along on my mission, and, as can 
 well be supposed, was not minded to draw back 
 at the very moment when success seemed assured. 
 
 Therefore, but with a timorous fluttering of the 
 heart lest I should be accused of making a moun- 
 tain out of a mole-hill, I followed the lieutenant 
 into the building, and that he had some influence 
 there, low though his rank in the army was, I un- 
 derstood by the fact that, within less than ten 
 
34 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 minutes, I was standing before General Putnam hur- 
 riedly telling, as nearly as was in my power, all 
 that had taken place from the time Luther Sted- 
 man and his friends came on board the Swiftsure. 
 
 The story was not yet come to an end when, 
 to my great relief, I saw that General Putnam 
 did not look upon it as a trifling matter, for his 
 face became unusually grave, and he asked several 
 questions concerning us three lads and our fathers. 
 
 While answering them, and without intending so 
 to do, I let slip the fact that Sam, Abe and I called 
 ourselves " The Minute Boys of Long Island," and 
 the words had no sooner escaped my lips than I 
 expected to see the general burst into a hearty 
 laugh because of our folly. Instead of making 
 sport, however, and very greatly to my surprise, 
 he said in a tone as kindly and familiar as though 
 he was speaking to his equal: 
 
 " You lads have done well in forming such an 
 organization, even though it number but three. 
 The Cause has need of every arm, and lads of 
 your age, if that which is probable comes to pass, 
 may be of great service. I shall remember you, 
 Master Lyttle, and it may be will call for assistance 
 such as boys can give better than men. And now 
 as to your prisoners: You have done a service 
 this day, such perhaps as your Tory neighbors may 
 strive to repay in a disagreeable manner." Then, 
 turning to Lieutenant Winterbottom, who had re- 
 mained nearby throughout the interview, he added, 
 " Take with you half a dozen men, for that number 
 may be needed while there are so many people 
 abroad, and go with this lad. Bring back the pris- 
 oners he has on board his vessel, and see to it that 
 
"I WAS STANDING BEFORE GENERAL PUTNAM. 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 35 
 
 they have no speech with anyone until you have 
 arrivfed." 
 
 Very proud did I feel while marching by the 
 side of the lieutenant at the head of a squad of 
 soldiers, for verily was I suddenly become of im- 
 portance, in my own mind at least ; but before hav- 
 ing gotten very far on the way the officer checked 
 in a great measure the feelings of pride which were 
 springing up in my heart, by saying with a laugh 
 which had very Httle in it of mirth : 
 
 " I am thinking, Ephraim Lyttle, that in thus 
 striving to work good to the Cause, you are breed- 
 ing a large sore for yourselves. I know Luther's 
 father, and will give him credit, if any can be at- 
 tached, for being a vengeful man — one who is not 
 likely to pass by a lad who has done him and his 
 such an ill turn as this may prove. There are not 
 many Whigs on that island of yours, and unless the 
 revelations of this day have sobered the Tories some- 
 what, Wallabout bay may soon be all too small for 
 your comfort." 
 
 " That same thought has already coriie into my 
 mind, sir, and yet if my father had known of what 
 has taken place this afternoon, I believe he would 
 have commanded me to do exactly as has been 
 done." 
 
 " Of that there can be no question, for Master 
 Lyttle is a staunch friend to the Cause, and counts 
 not the cost when aught of good may be performed. 
 Shall you go home this evening? " 
 
 " That is as my father shall say ; he expects to 
 find the sloop at Master Dyker's dock." 
 
 " I believe I know your vessel from having seen 
 Samuel Garratt in her at the Albany Pier. She 
 
36 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 is a craft on which you could live without discom- 
 fort, and I would have you say this to your father, 
 although mayhap he will not care to take advice 
 from a man so much younger than himself. Never- 
 theless it can do no harm to repeat the words : It 
 would be better if you three lads cruised about, 
 keeping well to the New York side for the next 
 week or two, until the excitement concerning this 
 plot has died out somewhat." 
 
 I would have been a stupid not to have under- 
 stood what he meant, but after promising to speak 
 to my father as he proposed, I held my peace, and 
 nothing more was said until we arrived at the foot 
 of Market Street. 
 
 I had fancied that when he was taken away by 
 the guard Luther Stedman would have said very 
 much that was disagreeable and threatening; but 
 greatly to my surprise he remained silent. His 
 eyes spoke, however, as did those of his companion, 
 and in them I read as plainly as words could have 
 told me, that if ever the time came when they might 
 make reprisals, I would be called upon to pay the 
 debt. 
 
 " The sloop seems the cleaner for bein' rid of 
 them," Abel Grant said in a tone of relief when we 
 had watched the prisoners, surrounded by the sol- 
 diers in such a manner that it would have been 
 impossible for them to hold any communication 
 with the idlers on the street, march away until 
 they were lost to view in the distance. 
 
 " I cannot say whether we have truly been of 
 benefit to the Cause this day," Sam added thought- 
 fully, and, as I believed then, a trifle nervously; 
 " but it seems that this much is certain : We have 
 so turned matters that it becomes necessary to hold 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 37 
 
 together as Minute Boys, gettin' as many recruits 
 as possible, for from now on the hand of every 
 Long Island Tory will be against us." 
 
 " That is much as Lieutenant Winterbottom be- 
 lieves," I replied, and then told what message he 
 had sent my father, whereupon Abe cried grimly: 
 
 " He is in the right so far as concerns our stayin' 
 aboard the sloop; but in the wrong if he fancies 
 one or two weeks will work any change in the sit- 
 uation. Unless General Washington succeeds in 
 gainin' possession of all the country roundabout, 
 an' can successfully oppose the British forces who 
 would come near here, then are our lives in anythin' 
 but pleasant places, an' it seems to me much as if 
 Abel Grant was in the same box with us." 
 
 " Ay, lad, that he is," Abel replied, " an' yet a 
 trifle too old to be called a Minute Boy! I'm 
 thinking I had best apply for the position of 
 admiral, using this 'ere craft as my flag-ship, an' 
 allowin' that the Minute Boys of Long Island have 
 not only got an army, but a fleet." 
 
 Although Abel spoke in jest, there was to me 
 much in the idea that might be of advantage in 
 case, as General Putnam had so kindly suggested, 
 there should be work for us to do. Such a craft 
 as ours would not only make for us a convenient 
 headquarters, but serve as means of transport in 
 event of our having journeys to perform. There- 
 fore it was that I did not join my comrades in the 
 laugh which followed Abel's speech, and Sam said 
 jestingly: 
 
 " Perhaps Ephraim would not be willin' to admit 
 an admiral into the organization, thinkin' that he 
 ought to hold that position as well as the office of 
 commander-in-chief." 
 
38 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Had another lad thus spoken I might have 
 thought there was somewhat of maHce in the words ; 
 but I knew Samuel Garratt too well to credit him 
 with anything of the kind, and replied in much the 
 same tone he had used : 
 
 " Considerin' the fact that the Minute Boys of 
 Long Island haven't even a captain, it strikes me 
 that we are goin' a little fast to count on such offi- 
 cers as commander-in-chief and admiral." 
 
 Whereupon Abel said in genuine surprise: 
 
 " I had an idea that when you boys made your- 
 selves up into a regiment of Minute Boys, Ephraim 
 Lyttle was the commander." 
 
 " And so he is," Abraham and Sam replied em- 
 phatically, and, regardless of all I could say they 
 would not have it otherwise, both stoutly declaring 
 that it was in their minds from the start that I 
 was to be the leader. 
 
 Now I myself had not been so vain as to believe 
 my comrades would trust in me to such an extent; 
 but I should be setting down a falsehood if I said 
 that such a token of confidence did not please me, 
 for if we should come to do half of that which had 
 been in my mind when we proposed to call our- 
 selves Minute Boys, then had these comrades of 
 mine much the same as put their lives into my keep- 
 ing, and that you must allow is no slight evidence 
 of faith in another's ability. 
 
 " If I am to be the leader," and I spoke jestingly, 
 although my heart was full of gratitude to my 
 comrades, " then my first order shall be that we 
 get under way, for I can see no profit in loiterin' 
 here after the prisoners have been landed, an' much 
 of possible danger, if it should be noised around 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 39 
 
 that we gave up two Tories to an officer of the 
 American Army. 
 
 " That is good sound commonsense," Abel said 
 approvingly, as he hoisted the mainsail, " an' if the 
 general of this 'ere army don't get any further astray 
 in the rest of the orders he gives, I for one will be 
 willin' to follow as well as obey him." 
 
 Abel took the helm when we were headed for 
 Master Dyker's dock once more, and I noticed that 
 in tacking he was careful not to venture very near 
 the shore, more particularly when we were stand- 
 ing toward the battery, where was a dense throng 
 of men who appeared even more excited than when 
 I was among them. 
 
 " It is just as well to give them a wide berth," 
 the " admiral " said when I laughingly accused him 
 of being afraid of those on the shore. " I am not 
 allowin' that that precious Luther an' the Tory he 
 had with him has been able to spread the news as 
 yet, seein's how young Winterbottom is too good 
 a soldier to let them talk overly much with outsiders 
 while marchin' up to headquarters; but others be- 
 sides them were in the scheme of stealin' the sloop, 
 an' may be able to understand what has happened 
 as well as if it had been written down plain for 
 'em, so we won't be overly eager to rub noses with 
 any save those whom we know right well." 
 
 We got to Master Dyker's dock just in the nick 
 of time, for as the sloop was hauled in to the string- 
 piece Abe's father and mine came in sight, and 
 Master Decker, being in advance, jumped on board 
 as he said hurriedly: 
 
 " Now then, lads, get under way as soon as may 
 be, for we are in haste to reach Wallabout bay." 
 
40 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Without thinking particularly of what had just 
 happened, I was for obeying this order without de- 
 lay; but Abel Grant checked me by saying gravely 
 to my father: 
 
 " I am thinkin'. Master Lyttle, that you had best 
 hear what has been done in your absence before 
 sendin' these lads back to the island," and then 
 without waiting for questions, Abel gave a detailed 
 account of our adventures during the afternoon, 
 concluding by repeating the advice which Lieutenant 
 Winterbottom had given. 
 
 If I had any doubts as to whether my father 
 might consider the matter serious, they would have 
 been dispelled when I saw his face while Abel was 
 telling the story. He showed the utmost concern, 
 and, after the tale was done, said slowly and 
 thoughtfully : 
 
 " I believe the lieutenant to be in the right. The 
 island is no place for you lads after what has been 
 done, and yet the question is where can you spend 
 such time as may elapse before our forces have 
 either driven out the Tories, or frightened them 
 into submission ? " 
 
 " This sloop of ours is comfortable enough for 
 lads who count on bein' Minute Boys," Sam sug- 
 gested, and Abraham's father said : 
 
 " If General Putnam had not spoken so seriously 
 regarding the Minute Boy business, I might be in- 
 clined to laugh at it ; but if such an able general and 
 true American as Israel Putnam thinks you lads 
 can be of service, then it behooves me to hold my 
 peace. As. for living aboard the sloop, I see no 
 reason why it might not be done without hardship. 
 You need not put to sea ; but by running up to the 
 bulkhead at Oliver Street, nearby where live some 
 
tHE "DECLARATION." 4I 
 
 good friends of mine, I believe you would be rea- 
 sonably safe, and there it would be possible for us 
 to get word to you at any time. However, if Mas- 
 ter Lyttle shall agree with me that that is the better 
 course, there is nothing to prevent your carrying 
 us across to the island, so that you do not go 
 ashore ! " 
 
 In this my father was agreed, and as soon as 
 might be we were on our way, standing directly 
 across, I in the meanwhile wondering how we might 
 fare for food, being thus thrown on our own re- 
 sources, until Master Decker, taking some money 
 from his pocket, said to my father: 
 
 " We will give them enough of silver to provide 
 all hands with food for two or three days, and be- 
 fore more is needed either you or I will have seen 
 them again." 
 
 It is not well that I should spend overly much time 
 in telling all the trifles concerning our lives which 
 had no direct bearing upon what we would do for 
 the Cause, therefore it is I shall say that we landed 
 Master Decker and my father on the shore of Wal- 
 labout bay, and came back to where it was proposed 
 we should find anchorage, shortly after dark. 
 
 Sam took upon himself the duties of cook, and we 
 gave him the money with which to buy provisions, 
 paying but little heed to the possibility that some 
 of the Tories might seek us out even on that first 
 night after we had made prisoners of Luther and 
 his companion. 
 
 Very jolly it was living aboard the sloop, with 
 plenty to eat, and going ashore whenever fancy 
 dictated. We spent two idle days, remaining the 
 greater portion of the time in the cabin or on the 
 deck, and then came the morning when it was told 
 
42 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 everywhere in the town that Thomas Hickey, he 
 of General Washington's guard who had turned 
 traitor and joined Tryon's plot, was to be hanged 
 on the Common for his crime, he having had a fair 
 trial before the military court, and been found guilty 
 beyond a possible doubt. 
 
 Abel Grant was the only member of our party 
 who cared to witness the execution, and I venture 
 to say that there were few lads in New York who 
 remained absent from the horrid spectacle. We 
 felt no doubt but that the fellow richly deserved 
 death, and yet neither of us had the heart to see 
 a human being put to death in such a cold-blooded, 
 even though legal, manner. 
 
 Abel jeered at us, declaring that our blood was 
 not as thick as should be the blood of Minute Boys, 
 else we would not be so chicken-hearted, and, hav- 
 ing seen the misguided man sent into Eternity, was 
 eager on his return to tell us of the horrible details ; 
 but we refused to listen. I was sick at heart, fear- 
 ing lest Luther Stedman might have been so far 
 guilty as to merit a like punishment. I believe it 
 would have haunted me all the days of my life, had 
 I had a hand in carrying a lad to the gallows. 
 
 The days passed on, and we remained anchored 
 off Oliver Street, apparently forgotten by every 
 one save Master Decker and my father, who came 
 from time to time to make certain we were needing 
 nothing and remained in good health. 
 
 More than once before the 9th day of July did 
 I insist that we might safely return to our homes; 
 but father and Master Decker both insisted that 
 we were to stay yet longer on the New York side, 
 for it was noised about among our Tory neighbors 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 43 
 
 that we had sent Luther Stedman to headquarters 
 as prisoner. 
 
 Abraham stoutly claimed that it would be better 
 for us to take some chances, rather than remain 
 idling our time away to no purpose, and declared 
 that I had either dreamed the words which I quoted 
 as coming from General Putnam, or else that offi- 
 cer had entirely forgotten us. 
 
 However, Abel Grant and Sam were convinced 
 that we could do no better than remain in partial 
 hiding, and so we did, until it was told on the 
 streets one night that Congress had adopted a Dec- 
 laration of Independence which would be read on 
 the Common next day by General Washington, and 
 then, as Abraham said, we were right glad at be- 
 ing on the spot where we would have plenty of 
 opportunity to see all that might be going on. 
 
 And before the day was come to an end we saw 
 very much that must have disheartened the Tories, 
 and certainly did put new life into us Whigs. 
 
 Within the limits of the story which I propose 
 to tell, there is not time for me to go into any 
 details as to what our company said or did during 
 that 9th day of July when it was as if all New 
 York was burning with the flame of liberty, and 
 therefore shall I content myself with simply setting 
 down what we saw, for after that time adventures 
 came thick and fast until more than once we had a 
 glut of them. 
 
 It was a fine show which the citizens made as 
 they marched toward the Common to hear the read- 
 ing of the Declaration which we firmly hoped would 
 some day be believed in by all the people of the 
 colonies. 
 
44 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 A regular festival with processions, and banners, 
 and music of fifes and drums, and the huzzas of the 
 people, and the shouting of boys, and joyous cries 
 of girls and women, until one would have said that 
 already had we thrown off that yoke which the 
 king would fasten yet more firmly around our 
 necks. 
 
 Marching in brave array was a company of 
 sailors led by that Captain Bevan who had com- 
 mand of the Privateer brig Clinton when she cap- 
 tured the French ship La Pomme, and it was as 
 if every one of those seamen was heart and soul a 
 Whig. 
 
 Then came the Sons of Liberty, with banners 
 on which were painted " Resistance to tyrants," 
 " All men are created equal," " George III is unfit 
 to be the ruler of the free people," " A Tory is a 
 thing whose head is in England, its body in Amer- 
 ica, and whose neck ought to be stretched." 
 
 After this was a procession of men and women 
 from the markets; then double-files of citizens, and 
 all this throng had hardly more than formed them- 
 selves in orderly array around the Common, when 
 the sound of martial music told that the soldiers 
 were coming. 
 
 It was a surprise to me to see so many men in 
 uniform, and I could not force myself to believe 
 that the Britishers might come against us in greater 
 number. They marched in on the Common from 
 every quarter, as it seemed to me, until that place 
 was densely covered with human beings, and in the 
 very center of them, a hollow square, within which 
 sat General Washington and his aides on horse- 
 back. 
 
 I did not hear the commander-in-chief read the 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 45 
 
 Declaration, because of not being near enough; 
 but shouts from those who were within range of 
 his voice told that the sentiments contained therein 
 were much to their liking, and if there was any 
 Tory among that multitude he had not the courage 
 to raise his head so it might be seen, for I heard 
 neither hiss nor dissenting voice during all the ex- 
 ercise. 
 
 When the troops departed we of the sloop were 
 well content to return to her, not because of being 
 afraid that we might meet any who would do us 
 harm, for on that day the Tories had little spirit; 
 but in the belief that our parents might pay us a 
 visit, and yet we did not go. 
 
 Just as we were about starting it was noised 
 around among the multitude of people that the 
 statue of the king which stood on Bowling Green, 
 was to be pulled down, and all the unfortunates 
 confined in the prisons for debt were to be released. 
 
 It was such a show as we could not well afford 
 to miss seeing, and I would have taken more 
 chances than I believe we then ran, rather than 
 have absented myself voluntarily. 
 
 And a wild scene it was when night had come. 
 I question whether there will ever again be in New 
 York such enthusiasm and such a spectacle as we 
 saw after the sun had set. Long ropes were fas- 
 tened to different parts of the king's effigy, and men 
 and boys tailed on to them, pulling, and shouting, 
 and screaming until the leaden image tumbled head- 
 long to the ground, raising a cloud of dust like as 
 if a dozen cannons had been discharged at the 
 same moment. 
 
 It was as if all those people had lost their senses 
 with the downfall of the statue — as if they be- 
 
46 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 lieved that by overthrowing the leaden image they 
 had overthrown the king in America, and a wilder 
 scene I never expect to witness. However great 
 my curiosity to see what might be the outcome of 
 it all, for I fancied the revelers were in such a 
 frenzy that this one act would not satisfy them, 
 I was minded to go back to the sloop, and was say- 
 ing as much to my companions when some one 
 touched me on the shoulder from behind. 
 
 Turning I saw Lieutenant Winterbottom, who 
 said in a low tone, as if not caring to be overheard 
 by those near at hand : 
 
 " Do you lads from the island still hold your- 
 selves as Minute Boys ? " 
 
 " Ay, sir, that we do, an' shall so long as we 
 live ; but thus far it is simply the matter of a name, 
 for we have had no opportunity of showin' what 
 we might do. No one is needin' our services. We 
 have, in accordance with your advice, been livin' 
 aboard the sloop on this side the harbor; but what 
 may only three lads do for the Cause ? " 
 
 " Very much, Ephraim Lyttle, if they be so dis- 
 posed, and are stout-hearted." 
 
 He spoke in such a meaning tone that straight- 
 way I took fire, believing there was more in his 
 words than as yet appeared, and wheeling upon 
 him suddenly, I cried hoarsely: 
 
 " Do you know of aught we may accomplish that 
 would be of benefit to the Cause ? " 
 
 " As for myself, no ; but there are others who 
 do, and if you are minded for a bit of work which 
 is as dangerous as it may be hard, I can show you 
 the road." 
 
 " Where ? How ? " Abraham cried so loud that 
 Lieutenant Winterbottom motioned for him to be 
 
THE "DECLARATION." 47 
 
 more cautious in his speech, and then replied in a 
 whisper : 
 
 " One of you, whosoever is chosen as leader, 
 may come to General Putnam's headquarters to- 
 morrow morning at eight o'clock exactly. I will be 
 there on the lookout, and lead him directly to the 
 general himself, who has a word to say that may be 
 in accord with your desires." 
 
 Having said this. Lieutenant Winterbottom 
 wheeled about and made his way through the 
 throng as rapidly as possible, leaving us three lads 
 and Abel Grant staring open-mouthed at each other, 
 unable to so much as speak one word. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 ON DUTY. 
 
 As a matter of course we lads had hoped, when 
 we decided to call ourselves the Minute Boys of 
 Long Island, that the time would come when we 
 might be called upon for service of benefit to the 
 Cause; but we never dreamed it possible to become 
 of such importance that an officer of the American 
 Army would summon us for real work. 
 
 It cannot be wondered at that we were, for the 
 time being, puffed up with pride, or that we found 
 it impossible to do other than stare into each other's 
 faces, wondering whether Lieutenant Winterbottom 
 had understood General Putnam aright, when he 
 was told to summon us. 
 
 It was Abel Grant who first gathered his wits, 
 and but for the fact that we knew him so thor- 
 oughly well, it might have been believed he was 
 making sport, when he said with that lazy drawl 
 of his : 
 
 " It strikes me that I didn't apply any too soon 
 for the situation as admiral with this 'ere organiza- 
 tion, cause, now that sich as General Putnam are 
 achin' to hob-nob with you lads, ordinary citizens 
 like myself won't stand any show of gettin' in a 
 word edgeways. Wa'al, why are you standin' there 
 like chickens that have lost their heads ? Ain't you 
 countin' on makin' some arrangements for the 
 
 48 
 
on DUTY. 49 
 
 visit, or are ye tryin' to decide whether it's to be 
 made or not ? " 
 
 " Of x:ourse it is to be made ! " I cried sharply. 
 " A message like that which the lieutenant brought 
 is the same as a positive order, an' if we allow to call 
 ourselves Minute Boys we must take as a direct 
 command any word which comes from those in 
 authority." 
 
 " Then why are you hangin' 'round here, where 
 there's a chance of gettin' inter sich trouble with 
 some of these sore-headed Tories that you wouldn't 
 be able to come to time in the mornin'? If I was 
 the general in command of this 'ere regiment, I'd 
 order my men off to the sloop mighty quick, so's 
 to make sure they'd be in proper shape when 
 needed." 
 
 It did not strike me that he, or either of my 
 comrades, was waiting for any word from me, and 
 I replied stupidly: 
 
 " If you fellows think we should — " 
 
 " If we think ! " Abe interrupted with a laugh. 
 " It is for the leader, not the men, to do the 
 thinkin' ! Do you order us aboard the sloop? " 
 
 " Now don't be foolish," I cried irritably, for it 
 annoyed me not a little that my companions should 
 expect the word of command from me, who was 
 better fitted to obey than lead. " We are equal as 
 Minute Boys, an' one may say as well as another 
 what should be done." 
 
 " Don't make a fool of yourself ! " Sam cried 
 sharply. " It has been agreed that you are our 
 leader, an' even though there be but four of us, 
 countin' Abel as a boy, it is necessary that one shall 
 be at the head, else are we like to come to grief if 
 so be we get into a tight place." 
 
50 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " If you will have it so," I cried, far from pleased 
 that they believed I must give the word for every 
 trifling movement. " We'll go back to the sloop 
 where the matter can be discussed without fear our 
 words will be overheard." 
 
 On the instant my comrades wheeled about, turn- 
 ing their backs on the scene of riot and confusion 
 which would under any other circumstances have 
 held us chained to the spot, and without giving 
 heed to the revelers on every hand, marched 
 rapidly up town to Oliver Street, never one of us 
 speaking until we were in the cabin of the Swiftsure 
 with the hatch drawn close to shut out eaves- 
 droppers. 
 
 There, in whispers, we discussed the possible 
 meaning of General Putnam's order, never once 
 guessing the truth of the matter, nor even dreaming 
 that we were to be employed on matters of the 
 utmost consequence to the American Army. It was 
 in our minds that we were needed for some trifling 
 service; but however slight might be the work re- 
 quired, it was enough to fill us with pride that an 
 officer so high in command as General Putnam had 
 seen fit to send a messenger especially to us as 
 Minute Boys. 
 
 Finally, after we had turned the matter over and 
 over again, Abel Grant said with a drawl : 
 
 "I don't want it to be thought that the admiral 
 of this 'ere military organization is stickin' his nose 
 in where it don't belong; but yet I'm minded to 
 interfere so far as to say I think it's time for full- 
 fledged soldiers who are ordered to watch over the 
 whole American Army, to turn in. Sittin' up all 
 night waggin' your tongues, ain't any fit way of 
 
ON DUTY. '51 
 
 makin' ready for the work that's been cut out by 
 the general." 
 
 Laughingly we followed this suggestion, know- 
 ing it to be a good one, and in a twinkling were 
 stowed as snug as herrings in a box, for the Swift- 
 sure had but two small bunks, and when four were 
 crowded into them there was not overly much room 
 for moving about. 
 
 Although I turned in so quickly, it was im- 
 possible to close my eyes in slumber readily, so 
 excited was I by the words of Lieutenant Winter- 
 bottom had spoken. I twisted and turned as best 
 I could while Abel Grant was my bedfellow, and 
 it seemed as if the night must have been well nigh 
 at an end when I lost myself in the unconsciousness 
 of slumber. 
 
 Although our appointment with General Putnam 
 was set at eight o'clock, Abel Grant wakened us 
 at the first crack of day, declaring that we had no 
 more than sufficient time in which to prepare for 
 the meeting with the commander, when, as a mat- 
 ter of fact, there was nothing whatever that we 
 needed in the way of preparation, save to wash our 
 faces and hands with exceeding care, for the clothes 
 in which we stood comprised the whole of our ward- 
 robe. 
 
 However, as Sam said, it was better to be early 
 than late, and by thus beginning the day at the very 
 dawn, we were able to cook and eat our breakfast 
 leisurely, after which came the question as to 
 whether my comrades would escort me down to 
 Bowling Green, or let me take leave of them at the 
 sloop. 
 
 Now it was that I urged one of the others to go 
 
52 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 in my stead, and, failing in that, insisted that they 
 accompany me as far as might be possible. A full 
 hour before the time appointed did we set out from 
 the foot of Oliver Street, inspecting, as we walked 
 leisurely along, the defenses of New York which 
 had been set up in anticipation of an attack by the 
 enemy. 
 
 Thus it was that we had a leisurely view of Mc- 
 Dougall's Battery, the four guns near Trinity 
 Church ; of the Broadway Barrier, with its two guns 
 near to where the king's statue had so lately stood ; 
 and of the batteries at nearly all the slips on the 
 East River, as well as at the Coffee House, the 
 Market, the Exchange, and in Broad Street. 
 
 After thus viewing a small portion of the de- 
 fenses which had been erected for the reception of 
 the enemy and defense of the city, it seemed to me 
 of a verity that we need have no fear concerning 
 what the Britishers might do. Ignorant as I was 
 of warfare, it appeared to me then as if New York 
 was so thoroughly defended as to render impossible 
 its capture; but before another twelve months had 
 gone over my head I realized how weak and poor 
 were these so-called batteries and barriers, which 
 in fact deserved no better name than that of bar- 
 ricades. 
 
 However, we Minute Boys were not out on this 
 morning to learn the art of warfare, or to criticise 
 the work of those whose duty it was to defend the 
 town. The only important matter before us was 
 this interview with General Putnam, and all the 
 speculations we indulged in tended in the same 
 direction, as to whether, if we succeeded in doing 
 the commander's bidding on this day, the work 
 would be of such importance that we might really 
 
ON DUTY. 53 
 
 consider ourselves as being numbered among the 
 defenders of the Cause. 
 
 The sentinel on the battery at Bowling Green 
 was crying the hour of eight when I, with a great 
 fluttering of the heart, went toward headquarters, 
 which was in the first building on the Broadway, 
 hardly expecting that Lieutenant Winterbottom 
 would remember the rendezvous which he himself 
 had appointed, and wondering what I should do in 
 case of failure to see him. 
 
 " Remember, lad, that you are to be just as perky 
 as if the Minute Boys of Long Island numbered 
 one hundred, instead of three," Abel Grant called 
 after me when I left my comrades at a point where 
 they could see me as I entered the building, in case 
 of my so doing, and be ready to hear the result of 
 the interview immediately I came out. And these 
 words rang in my ears as I walked leisurely to- 
 ward the sentinel who was pacing to and fro in 
 front of the building. 
 
 To my great surprise, even though I had been 
 expecting to see him. Lieutenant Winterbottom 
 came out of the house as I drew near, and with a 
 word to the sentinel on duty, that he might allow 
 me to pass, opened the door. 
 
 Taking this as an invitation to enter, I stepped 
 inside, feeling more like a culprit than a lad who 
 had been summoned, perhaps, to do the work of a 
 man, and almost unconsciously I followed the lieu- 
 tenant as he led the way to the rear room, where 
 I saw seated before a table which did service also 
 as desk, a soldierly-looking and not unkindly ap- 
 pearing man. 
 
 There was no need to tell me who he was, for 
 I had seen General Putnam before, and it was 
 
54 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 evident he remembered me, although the lieutenant 
 appeared to think an introduction necessary, for 
 he made it by saying: 
 
 " General, this is the lad whom you wanted." 
 
 " Ay, Heutenant, he and I have met before. 
 You may close the door as you go out, sir." 
 
 This was evidently an intimation that even Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom was not to know what passed 
 between us, and although such fact should have 
 filled me with pride, yet did it cause alarm, for it 
 seemed much as though I was about to be charged 
 with some misdemeanor; but this nervous fear 
 passed away very quickly when the general said 
 after we were alone: 
 
 " Well, lad, are you Minute Boys still holding 
 together, or has the fear of what may be done by 
 the friends of those Tories whom you sent to me, 
 induced you to disband ? " 
 
 " We are yet holding together, sir, though our 
 number is not increasing, unless it so be that we 
 take Abel Grant on as admiral, according to his own 
 suggestion." 
 
 At this the general smiled, as if I had said some- 
 thing comical, and asked humorously: 
 
 " So you believe a naval officer necessary, eh ? " 
 
 " Well, sir, you see we have the sloop, and some 
 one must handle her. Besides, I am thinkin' that 
 Abel would join us as a Minute Boy were it not for 
 his being so much older, an', wantin' to remain with 
 us, he makes as excuse the proposition that we are 
 needin' a sailor." 
 
 " I can fancy that he may be very useful, if you 
 are yet inclined to labor in behalf of the Cause." 
 
 " That we are, sir, an' shall feel proud if there 
 be anythin' whatsoever we may do. Don't think 
 
ON DUTY. 55 
 
 I am boastin' when I say that we should be able to 
 perform the work of men, for we lads are of con- 
 siderable age already." 
 
 " Yes, my boy, these are times when children 
 as well as men grow old rapidly. It is possible for 
 you to be of great aid to the American Army. To 
 my mind the only reason why you may fail of so 
 doing is that the enemy capture you too soon, for 
 hark you, lad, this duty I would put upon the 
 Minute Boys of Long Island, is indeed a man's 
 work, although I believe you who have been in 
 the custom of sailing around the harbor in your 
 boat, might effect more than good soldiers, because 
 of being less likely to arouse suspicion. In a way, 
 this is what I desire: The enemy's fleet have 
 already arrived off Sandy Hook, and as yet we 
 have no definite information as to the strength of 
 the force. What I desire is that you shall cruise 
 nearabout the British vessels until it is possible to 
 give us the fullest information concerning them. 
 This is not as simple a matter as you may suppose," 
 he added on seeing that I was about to interrupt. 
 " Orders will have been given for the arrest of any 
 who may be found in the vicinity of the vessels 
 without having been summoned, and I am free to 
 say that the chances in favor of your being made 
 prisoners are many." 
 
 At this point the general ceased speaking and 
 looked at me inquiringly, whereupon I said, try- 
 ing to make myself appear as brave as possible : 
 
 " We will do all that lads may, sir. When shall 
 we set off?" 
 
 " Without delay, and you will make report as 
 soon as you have learned anything definite. For 
 example, we will suppose that you have been able 
 
56 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 to give us the number and names of the ships lying 
 at anchor before arousing the suspicions of the 
 enemy. In such event, you will send one of 
 your number, as privately as may be, here to me 
 with the information. In the meanwhile the re- 
 mainder of your crew will stay near at hand, on 
 whatsoever pretext you may devise, to gain further 
 knowledge, and if you see a movement among the 
 fleet which betokens an immediate advance on this 
 city, consider not the hazard of the undertaking, 
 but come to me at once." 
 
 " Very well, sir," I said, making my best bow, 
 and thinking the interview was at an end, but 
 before I could leave the room he checked me, by 
 saying : 
 
 " Open that door, and summon Lieutenant Win- 
 terbottom." 
 
 On doing as he directed I found the lieutenant 
 stationed very near the door as if on duty, and 
 without waiting for me to speak he entered, where- 
 upon the general said to him in a tone of command : 
 
 " Take this order to the quartermaster's office, 
 and see that these lads be given of stores sufficient 
 to victual four men for ten days, the same to be 
 delivered at whatever quarter of the city is most 
 convenient for them." 
 
 Then he wrote a few words on a slip of paper, 
 and handing it to the lieutenant, asked of me: 
 
 " Have you weapons on board your craft ? " 
 
 " No sir," I replied, and with truth, although but 
 for the fact of seeming to speak on serious subjects 
 in a jesting manner, I would have added that we 
 still had the stove-leg which Abraham had used 
 with such effect on Luther Stedman's companion. 
 
 " It is not well you should be armed, for you are 
 
ON DUTY. 57 
 
 supposed to be simply lads who are curious to gain 
 a glimpse of the English fleet. At the same time 
 it might not go amiss if you had one weapon 
 aboard, and, Lieutenant Winterbottom, you will 
 see that they are provided with a musket and fifteen 
 or sixteen rounds of ammunition." 
 
 Having said this the general took up some papers 
 from his desk as if considering the interview at 
 an end, and without waiting for further instruc- 
 tions the lieutenant motioned for me to pass out 
 at the door he opened, saying when we were in the 
 hallway : 
 
 " So it seems that you lads have become mem- 
 bers of the army at short notice ? " 
 
 " But the task given us is not what I should call 
 a soldierly one, being simply to — " 
 
 " Stop, stop, lad! When you entered the room 
 General Putnam sent me outside, which was the 
 same as if he had announced that the interview 
 should be private, therefore it is not for you to 
 repeat, save it may be necessary to your companions, 
 anything which he said. All I need know is where 
 you will have the provisions and the musket de- 
 livered?" 
 
 " Our sloop is lyin' at the Oliver-Street bulk- 
 head." 
 
 " And you intend going away in her, I suppose ? " 
 
 " Ay ; we are to leave as soon as may be." 
 
 " The stores will be sent to the foot of Oliver 
 Street, and within the hour if possible." 
 
 Having said this the lieutenant opened the outer 
 door; but did not follow me, and when I was in 
 the street once more there stood my companions 
 on the opposite side, looking, as no doubt they felt, 
 keenly curious regarding the result of the interview. 
 
S8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Without halting, I beckoned for them to follow^, 
 and as we walked up the Broadway I repeated that 
 which had been said, much as is set down here, and 
 was not a little surprised to hear Abel Grant cry- 
 exultantly : 
 
 " Now that's what I call work fit for the best, 
 an' the wonder of it is that General Putnam should 
 have entrusted it to those whom he knew as little 
 as he knows us! So you told him I claim to be 
 admiral, eh ? " 
 
 " I fail of seeing in what way the task can 
 be of such great importance," I said hesitatingly. 
 " It seems to me any who owned a boat might 
 perform it equally well." 
 
 " That may be," Sam cried in a tone of satisfac- 
 tion. " And yet we are the ones whom he selected. 
 It seems to me that by his own showin' he con- 
 sidered the work of great importance, in addition 
 to bein' dangerous." 
 
 " Ay, and that is what it is," Abel Grant de- 
 clared. " To spy out the enemy's forces, an' be 
 able to do it properly, is such big work that the 
 chances of bein' taken prisoners don't count, as 
 I'm lookin' at it. So you told him I was to be 
 admiral, eh ? " 
 
 " It is certain that if we succeed in the first part 
 of the business our company is to be divided by 
 sendin' some one of us back to New York," Abra- 
 ham said thoughtfully, as if wondering how that 
 might be done, and I confess it had troubled me 
 even when the general spoke ; but, not minded to let 
 my comrades believe there was any difficulty in 
 it, I replied carelessly: 
 
 " To us who know the island so well, it should 
 
ON DUTY. 59 
 
 not be difficult, after a fellow has been set ashore, 
 for him to make his way here. However, that is 
 somethin' to be considered later, when we have the 
 needed information." 
 
 " So you told the general that I counted on bein' 
 admiral, eh?" Abel Grant repeated after a shor.t 
 time, and it seemed necessary I answer the question, 
 else might he keep on asking it until we were 
 wearied with the sound of the words. 
 
 " Ay, so I told him," I rephed. 
 
 "An' what did he say?" 
 
 " That it seemed to him very necessary we should 
 have some one to take charge of the sloop." 
 
 " Then I am allowin' that you Minute Boys have 
 no right to interfere with my takin' charge of the 
 fleet, since no less than General Putnam himself 
 has sanctioned it," and Abel spoke in a tone of 
 triumph, whereupon Sam added laughingly: 
 
 " If one small sloop can be called a fleet, then 
 are you the admiral," and Abel, heeding not the 
 tone of derision, said soberly : 
 
 " Ay, that I am, an' with none to interfere after 
 once we're afloat." 
 
 Surely I had no protest to make if Abel Grant 
 wanted to consider himself admiral of a fleet con- 
 sisting of one small sloop, and, besides, the matter 
 was entirely too trifling, as compared with that we 
 had on hand, to admit of wasting any words ; there- 
 fore I held my peace, quickening the pace, however, 
 lest the stores which Lieutenant Winterbottom was 
 to send should arrive before we were come to 
 Oliver Street. 
 
 Abe would have questioned there on the street 
 as to how we had best set about the task in hand; 
 
6o THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 but I prevented any such carelessness by assuming 
 for the first time my rights as leader of the party, 
 and saying: 
 
 " Everythin' connected with our work is a secret 
 which we should guard if for no other reason than 
 our own safety. Don't think that I am overly con- 
 cerned because of myself; but it must be borne in 
 mind that whatsoever may happen to us affects the 
 purpose for which we are sent, therefore are our 
 lives of consequence until we have done what is 
 required." 
 
 This was sufficient to silence my comrades, and 
 not a word was spoken until we were once more 
 in the cabin of the Swiftsure, with the hatch opened 
 so that we might not only see when the men sent by 
 Lieutenant Winterbottom arrived, but also to make 
 certain there was no one within earshot. 
 
 Then it was that I began to put into words the 
 thoughts which had been in my mind concerning 
 the way we would set about the work of spying 
 upon the fleet, and much to my surprise found that 
 Abel Grant had already settled upon a plan which 
 seemed so good and reasonable that we could not 
 do otherwise than adopt it at once. 
 
 " If you Minute Boys set out takin' a roundabout 
 course, as if you had a lot of things to hide from 
 other people, then have the Britishers, in case we 
 run acros§ any, as is most likely, good reason to 
 suspect that we are more than curious ones intent 
 only upon seein' the king's fleet. Now it stands us 
 in hand to lay in a goodly store of fishin' gear, 
 an' there's your excuse for goin' through the Nar- 
 rows. Besides, if we take on board a fare of blue- 
 fish, or somethin' of that kind, we have a reason for 
 loiterin' among the fleet through wantin' to sell our 
 
ON DUTY. 6 1 
 
 wares, an', in case there are many vessels in the 
 lower bay, fishermen should be welcomed." 
 
 " Yes," I said, seeming to hesitate, although I 
 knew full well that Abel's plan was a wise one; 
 " but how may we get the gear, seein' that we have 
 little or no time to spend. The general's orders are 
 that we leave at once, or as soon as the stores are 
 taken on board." 
 
 "An' I see no reason why they should not be 
 obeyed," the admiral of the fleet replied without 
 hesitation. " I reckon you three Minute Boys can 
 muster strength enough among you to take aboard 
 such provisions as the lieutenant sends, an' in the 
 meantime I will go down to Jethro Dyker's. If so 
 be he won't lend us the gear, I'll make a dicker, an' 
 with what money I've got, should be able to buy 
 all that will be needed." 
 
 " Abel is in the right," Abraham said decidedly, 
 and I could not have contradicted him if I would; 
 but furthered his scheme by insisting that he take 
 whatsoever money we had among us to help out in 
 the purchase. It was while we were searching our 
 pockets for small coin, Abel gave another proof 
 that he should have been the leader of the party, 
 instead of only the admiral of a single sloop, by 
 saying : 
 
 " No one can tell how long this 'ere cruise is 
 likely to last, more especially if the Britishers, gettin' 
 suspicious, should gather us all in as prisoners, an', 
 that bein' done, what think you your people would 
 suppose had happened ? " 
 
 " All that is to be counted as the fortunes of 
 war," I replied loitily, thereby proving myself a 
 simple, for Abel took the wind out of my sails very 
 speedily, when he said: 
 
62 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " It will be the fortune of war if we are taken 
 prisoners ; but it comes mighty near to being wicked 
 neglect if you fail of sendin' some word to the 
 island. What's to hinder leavin' a message with 
 Master Dyker, or Jethro, to the effect that you have 
 been sent away on important business? I'm al- 
 lowin' your folks can guess the reason." 
 
 " Surely they can, an' I am a simple not to have 
 thought of such a thing before," was my reply 
 spoken in as jolly a tone as could be assumed, for 
 I was feeling a bit sore because of having the mat- 
 ter thus called to my attention when it should have 
 been my duty, as the leader, to have thought of it 
 first. 
 
 " Then it is agreed that I shall not only bargain 
 with Jethro for the fishin' gear ; but deliver the mes- 
 sage ? " Abel said questioningly, and, seeing that 
 my comrades agreed, I replied: 
 
 " Ay, send whatsoever information you can with- 
 out arousin' suspicion, for even though Jethro be a 
 friend to the Cause, I hold that we are not war- 
 ranted in repeatin' what has been said by the 
 general." 
 
 Abel set off without further delay, and he could 
 not have arrived at Master Dyker's dock before a 
 cart, in which were two soldiers and a reasonably 
 large supply of goods, was driven down to the 
 water's edge. 
 
 " Surely the general did not intend we should 
 starve while servin' the Cause," Sam said laugh- 
 ingly, as he went on shore to aid in taking aboard 
 the goods. 
 
 Never before had the Swiftsure had in her cabin 
 such a supply of eatables. We were provisioned 
 for at least a month's cruise, with potatoes, salt 
 
ON DUTY. 63 
 
 pork, ship's biscuit, and even the very best of butter, 
 if you please. 
 
 That the store was generous, could be told by 
 that which one of the soldiers said when we had 
 unloaded the cart : 
 
 " It is a pity that we who serve in the American 
 Army could not be outfitted in the same fashion! 
 Why are you taking these 'ere stores board that 
 sloop?" 
 
 " Because you have brought them, I suppose," 
 Abe replied with a laugh. 
 
 " But I allow they are for the benefit of some of 
 the officers, whereas we who carry a musket must get 
 along on salt fish and potatoes, without any such 
 luxuries as butter and pork." 
 
 " You don't look as though you came very near 
 bein' starved," Sam said laughingly, for the fellow 
 was as fat as a pig made ready for a fair, and he, 
 seemingly realizing that he had spoken foolishly, 
 turned the scarecrow of a horse townward without 
 further parley. 
 
 Even before we carried our provisions aboard 
 did we inspect the weapon, and truly it was a good 
 one — as good as could be found anywhere in the 
 American Army, with even more of ammunition 
 than seemed necessary. 
 
 We had no more than gotten all these things 
 stowed snugly in the sloop's cabin when Abel Grant 
 returned, and from the burden which he carried it 
 was evident that Jethro Dyker had made no very 
 serious protest against supplying us with fishing 
 gear. 
 
 " I'm allowin' here's enough to make it look as if 
 we were out for business," Abel said as he entered 
 the cabin, and, there seeing the stores which oc- 
 
64 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 cupied nearly every inch of the deck space, he added 
 as if in alarm : " Who sent all that ? " 
 
 " Two soldiers brought it," and Abraham laughed 
 heartily at the expression of dismay on the " ad- 
 miral's " face. " Are you goin' to find fault be- 
 cause we are outfitted in good shape?" 
 
 " Ay, that I am," Abel Grant said decidedly. 
 " Supposin' a Britisher, havin' suspicions that we 
 are sneakin' around the fleet for some other pur- 
 pose than that of sellin' fish, should take it into his 
 head to see what we had in the cabin, an' find all 
 this? Do you allow it would be possible to make 
 him believe we was tryin' to get an honest livin' 
 sellin' fish? Did you ever see a fisherman's cuddy 
 stacked as full of good things as an alderman's 
 cellar?" 
 
 I began to see that there was sound common- 
 sense in the " admiral's " protest, for had we been 
 fishermen, as it was intended we should claim to 
 be, the cuddy of the Swiftsure would have had in 
 it no more of provisions than might serve perhaps 
 for two or three meals. 
 
 But the goods were there, and we could not 
 waste them. The matter began to present itself to 
 my comrades as it had to me, and we who a few 
 moments before had been so joyous because of the 
 plenty in the larder, now gazed at each other rue- 
 fully, until Sam asked: 
 
 " Well, how are we to help ourselves ? We can't 
 throw good food overboard ? " 
 
 " Never ! " Abel Grant replied with a sudden 
 brightening of the face as he saw a way out of 
 the difficulty. "We needn't waste the stuff; but 
 carry it ashore before going through the Narrows. 
 I allow to know of a place where it can be stowed 
 
ON DUTY. 6$ 
 
 near the shore, an' we may draw from it as seems 
 necessary." 
 
 This seemed to dispose of the possible difficulty, 
 and, there being- nothing to prevent our getting 
 under way, for Jethro had promised to send word 
 to our parents, I suggested that the " admiral " 
 take charge of his end of the expedition. 
 
 Five minutes later the sloop was under way, 
 heading with a light wind down the stream on a 
 cruise which would admit of our passing between 
 Governor's Island and the Brooklyn shore. 
 
 The Minute Boys were at last in service, acting 
 directly under orders of the commander, and I 
 promised myself as we sailed slowly down past 
 Bowling Green, that if aught happened to prevent 
 our carrying out the instructions received, it should 
 not be through fault of mine. 
 
 " I'll weigh carefully every word before speakin', 
 and think of all the possibilities before decidin' on 
 any course of action," I said to myself, and the 
 words were no more than formed in my mind 
 when, looking seaward, I saw a skiff, in which were 
 two men, that had evidently just set off from New 
 York. 
 
 There was in such a sight nothing out of the 
 ordinary, because small craft were continually ply- 
 ing to and fro between New York and Brooklyn; 
 but in this case it seemed ominous that at the very 
 moment when we lads were attempting to play the 
 part of Minute Boys, Luther Stedman and the big 
 Tory whom we had taken prisoner, should cross 
 our path. 
 
 At the instant this thought came into my mind, 
 Abraham said sharply, motioning with his thumb 
 in the direction of the skiff: 
 
66 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " How does it happen, think you, that those two 
 are at liberty? It seemed to me when we turned 
 them over to the squad of soldiers, that they were 
 like to stay in one place for a long time." 
 
 " It must be that, save for the conversation which 
 we overheard, there was no proof they were en- 
 gaged in any act of treason against the Cause, an' 
 therefore could no longer be held prisoners," I 
 said, striving to assure myself at the same time 
 I set at rest the fears of my comrades. 
 
 That Abraham was not reassured, and that the 
 others had much the same forebodings as had I 
 concerning this inopportune meeting with the two 
 men whom we had every reason to consider ene- 
 mies, could be read plainly in the face of my com- 
 panions, and I set it down as an ill omen. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE ENEMY. 
 
 It did not take me very long to realize that I was 
 making a simple of myself, by feeling disturbed 
 in mind because we had chanced to meet Luther 
 Stedman and his big friend at the beginning of our 
 voyage. 
 
 The fact that we lads had not been called on as 
 witnesses since we delivered our prisoners to the 
 military authorities, was good proof that there was 
 little or no evidence against Luther and his friend, 
 save that which Abe and I could have given, and 
 this last would not have gone far toward convicting 
 them of any serious crime. 
 
 Thinking the matter over as I sat near Abel 
 Grant gazing at the skiff astern, I came to the con- 
 clusion that the two young Tories had simply been 
 held prisoners until it was positive they could not 
 give important information, and were then dis- 
 charged. Thus at liberty, it was by no means 
 strange that we should run across them, for the 
 waters of the harbor were as free to Tory as to 
 Whig, an^ it did not stand to reason they would 
 remain ufeder cover mourning because we had so 
 successfully blocked their game. 
 
 " There's no good reason why you should trouble 
 your head about those two," Abel Grant said, mo- 
 67 
 
68 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 tioning with his thumb toward the distant skiff. 
 " They'll hug home pretty close while our people 
 hold New York, an' we are likely to be in the lower 
 bay for quite a spell, because this business of ours 
 won't be brought to an end very soon, no matter how 
 much of news we come across." 
 
 " I'm not troublin' myself," I replied, trying to 
 appear unconcerned. " It was only because they 
 showed themselves at the exact moment when we 
 were startin' on what may be a dangerous enter- 
 prise, that I felt a bit disagreeable." 
 
 " If sich as that is all we have to bother us 
 betwixt now an' the time we make New York agin, 
 I shall think we're playin' in the biggest kind of 
 big luck," he replied in a low tone, and I added 
 nervously : 
 
 " Is it in your mind that we are likely to meet 
 with many dangers ? " 
 
 " That is a question you can answer as well as 
 I. Does it strike you as bein' child's play to spy 
 on the British fleet, when we know without bein' 
 told that every man jack of 'em will be on the 
 look-out for sich as us ? " 
 
 " What are you two mutterin' about ? " Abe, 
 who was seated well forward, asked with a laugh. 
 " One would think, Eph, that you had seen a ghost, 
 by the whitenin' of your face when Luther Stedman 
 hove in sight." 
 
 I was vexed beyond measure because of evidently 
 having given proof that a glimpse of the Tory dis- 
 turbed me, and said curtly: 
 
 " Your eyes must have been playin' tricks, if you 
 fancied there was any change in my face when the 
 cur came in sight. I was wonderin' why he had 
 been set free, that's all." 
 
THE ENEMY. 69 
 
 Abe laughed incredulously as I made this ex- 
 planation, which did not tend to improve my tem- 
 per, therefore I turned squarely around on the 
 thwart so that he might not be able to look into 
 my eyes, and in so doing saw, much to my sur- 
 prise, that the skiff which had been headed for 
 New York, was now coming directly in our wake. 
 
 Sam took note of the fact at the same moment, 
 and cried shrilly: 
 
 " It begins to look as if already was our mission 
 discovered! Yonder Tories have it in mind to 
 know where we are goin'." 
 
 Now it was Abel Grant's turn to look disturbed, 
 and he swung the tiller up ever so slightly, as he 
 said half to himself: 
 
 " I reckon we're not in such a hurry that we 
 can't spend a few hours puttin' them curs off the 
 scent. There's no question but that they are minded 
 to know where we're headin' for, an' we'll run 
 into Gowanus creek as if not countin' on goin' any 
 further. I'm allowin' though, that we'd better not 
 try to put any of the stores ashore." 
 
 I was well content to consider Abel as the ad- 
 miral, for I knew beyond a peradventure that he 
 was a better leader than I could ever hope to be 
 at a time like this, and to tell the truth, this seem- 
 ing pursuit at the very outset, caused me to be 
 more timorous than was decent in a commander 
 of Minute Boys, even though his following num- 
 bered only three. 
 
 The skiff followed • until we swung around into 
 Gowanus creek, and then the Tories lay back on 
 their oars to see what we were about. 
 
 " We're needin' a few clams for bait," Abel 
 Grant said as he gave word for the anchor to be 
 
70 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 dropped and the jib hauled down. " The tide don't 
 serve exceedin' well for sich work, but fishermen 
 must take what they can get an' look pleasant about 
 it. Into the punt, all three of you; I'll keep 
 ship." 
 
 We obeyed the order hurriedly, and Abel added 
 in a low tone when he saw me looking over my 
 shoulder at those in the skiff: 
 
 " It's clams you're after, not Tories, lad. This 
 is no time to let 'em see we're suspicious, else we 
 might as well have kept on through the Narrows." 
 
 During the next half-hour we labored with a will, 
 as if our very existence depended upon getting the 
 greatest amount of clams in the shortest possible 
 space of time, and then Abel, who had for some 
 time been standing in the stern-sheets gazing in the 
 direction of the town, cried cheerily: 
 
 " I reckon you may come aboard now, lads, for 
 those curs who would serve the king but don't dare 
 to put on red coats, are headin' for Bowling Green. 
 We've shut their eyes for a few hours; but can 
 count it as certain that they'll make it their busi- 
 ness to know if we come back within a reasonable 
 length of time." 
 
 " Which is the same as sayin' that it will soon 
 be known to the king's friends in New York that 
 we have gone out spyin'," Abe added grimly, and 
 without any show of fear. 
 
 " Wa'al, that's not so certain. You've been 
 through the Narrows before to-day in this sloop, 
 an' why shouldn't you go agin? The Tories may 
 have suspicions, but can't set anythin' down against 
 us as a fact, though I'm willin' to admit that they 
 have a fair chance to make no end of trouble." 
 
 We had dug near to a barrel of clams while 
 
THE ENEMY. 7 1 
 
 waiting to throw Luther Stedman off the track, 
 and surely it was not time wasted if we would play 
 the part of fishermen, for to go through the Nar- 
 rows without a goodly supply of bait would have 
 been folly. 
 
 It was well that we had been forced to lay by 
 in such manner, and the young Tories had really 
 done us a favor, as we soon came to know, after 
 getting into Gravesend bay shortly before sunset, 
 for there before us, stretching away as far as the 
 eye could reach, was the British fleet. I thought I 
 had seen a brave showing of vessels before, but 
 now it was as if all the ships in the world lay 
 at anchor 'twixt us and Sandy Hook. 
 
 " It looks as if the friends of the king counted 
 on takin' New York in a hurry ! " Abe cried after 
 gazing at the wondrous scene a few moments in 
 silence. " There must be men enough aboard that 
 fleet to over-run all the colonies, crushin' us out of 
 existence by very press of numbers." 
 
 " Ay, lad, an' it begins to look as if Luther Sted- 
 man an' his friends would have a chance to crow 
 over us mighty soon," Abel Grant said in a mourn- 
 ful tone. " There were few except Tories on Long 
 island yesterday, and now, after seein' this gath- 
 erin', I'm allowin' you can't find above twenty men 
 there who'll admit they ever believed the Americans 
 had a right to the land." 
 
 To me, it was as if New York was already taken, 
 for I had no question but that it could be only a 
 matter of a few hours before our people would be 
 captured or driven out, and I asked nervously: 
 
 " Why don't you put about, Abel Grant ? We 
 should be able to run up with this wind, before 
 daylight to-morrow." 
 
72 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Why would you have us turn tail before be- 
 ginnin' the work cut out for our doin' ? " the " ad- 
 miral " asked as if in surprise. 
 
 " We must tell General Putnam of what we have 
 seen. We were to put back, or send some one of 
 the company whenever we had learned aught of 
 importance, an' of a verity a sight like that is of 
 big moment to him." 
 
 " Did you think for a little minute that he didn't 
 know the fleet was there? " Abel asked with a grin. 
 " How does it happen that he sent us down to spy 
 out the strength, if he hadn't a fairly good idee 
 of what was hereabout ? " 
 
 " But surely he couldn't have known how 
 many ships were here, else it would have been of 
 retreat rather than spyin', that had a place in his 
 mind." 
 
 " You can set it down as a fact that he knew 
 even more than we do now, an' I shall be way out 
 of my reckonin' if our forces run away without 
 makin' some show of a stand. Don't get it inter 
 your head that all these are ships of war! I can 
 make out transports an' store-ships more than 
 enough to balance the vessels of the navy. 'Cordin' 
 to the orders received, I'm of the mind that we 
 should stand straight down to the Hook, if so be 
 they let us get that far, takin' careful note of the 
 guns that may be brought to bear on the city." 
 
 It only needed this sharp speech from Abel Grant 
 to bring me to my senses, and in a twinkling I un- 
 derstood that what he said was true. But now I 
 began to have a good idea of what General Put- 
 nam had meant, when he spoke of the danger which 
 we would encounter. There it was before us, good 
 
THE ENEMY. 73 
 
 and plenty, and I was forced to swallow hard in 
 order to force down the big lump which timorous- 
 ntss had sent into my throat as we stood on, head- 
 ing directly for the biggest frigate. 
 
 " Don't be afraid to look at 'em," the " admiral " 
 said in a whisper, although we were not yet come 
 within earshot of the sentries. " If we were here 
 to fish, an' nothin' more, it is only natural that our 
 eyes would be bulgin' in surprise, for I question if 
 so big a fleet ever before has been seen in these 
 waters." 
 
 Without Abel Grant I am afraid our cruise would 
 have come to a sudden end, for verily I was not 
 fit to act the part of leader when before me was 
 such a force of the enemy, and one glance at Sam 
 was sufficient to show that he believed the Minute 
 Boys were getting beyond their depth. Abraham 
 Decker was the only member of our company, with 
 the exception of Abel Grant, who did not appear 
 frightened, and I made up my mind then and there 
 that if we ever succeeded in returning from this 
 venture, he, not me, should be the captain of our 
 party. 
 
 However, I had sufficient wit remaining to stare 
 about me like a simple, as the " admiral " had sug- 
 gested, and we bore down on the frigate at a snail's 
 pace, for the wind had flattened out considerably, 
 while the tide was against us. 
 
 We were nearly abreast the enormous vessel with 
 her row upon row of ports, from each of which 
 protruded a gun, before the enemy apparently gave 
 any heed to us, and then we were hailed from the 
 quarter-deck by some petty officer. 
 
 " Ahoy on the sloop ! " 
 
74 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Ay, ay, sir ! " Abel Grant replied with a more 
 pronounced drawl than ever. 
 
 " Sheer in this way and give an account of your- 
 selves ! " 
 
 " I don't allow as we've got very much of a story 
 to tell," Abel replied as he brought the sloop around 
 ever so slightly ; " but you shall hear what there 
 is of it, if so be you're achin' for news." 
 
 " Where are you bound ? " the officer asked while 
 we were slowly drifting down on the frigate's 
 quarter. 
 
 " After bluefish, sir." 
 
 "What have you in the cockpit?" the Britisher 
 asked curiously. 
 
 " Clams for bait." 
 
 " Make ready to send them up." 
 
 " Why we couldn't do that, sir, seein's how we 
 ain't got more'n we'll need for bait," Abel cried 
 as if in alarm, and playing the simple so well that 
 the most suspicious must have been deceived. 
 
 " Make ready to send them up, do you hear ? " 
 the officer cried sharply, and Abel, as if flustered by 
 this stern command, danced around like one who 
 has lost his senses as he gave this order and that 
 to us lads, none of which could have been obeyed 
 even if we had understood them. 
 
 " You'll have to send down a bag, if you count 
 on takin' what we've got, sir." Abel whined. 
 " We haven't a blessed thing here to put 'em into." 
 
 The Britisher said something in a low tone to 
 the half dozen grinning sailors who were craning 
 their heads over the rail amidships, and by the time 
 we had come alongside to where was hanging a 
 ladder, two bags had been thrown aboard. 
 
 " Gather 'em up," Abel said to us as if his heart 
 
" ' NEARABOUT GOWANUS CREEK ON LONG ISLAND.' 
 
THE ENEMY. 75 
 
 was breaking. " I'm allowin' the gentlemen will 
 pay a fair price for the clams; but we won't have 
 a chance to get any more till the tide turns, which 
 will keep us down here another four an' twenty 
 hours." 
 
 " You're fortunate if we don't seize the whole 
 outfit, instead of only a beggarly lot of clams," the 
 Britisher said angrily. " If I hear anything more 
 about a price for them, you shall come aboard to 
 wait till we can find out more about your craft." 
 
 It surely seemed as if this threat deprived Abel 
 Grant of what little wit he had remaining, for he 
 jumped around like a crazy man, helping us to 
 gather the clams into the bags, as if believing his 
 very life depended upon getting them aboard the 
 frigate quickly. 
 
 " Now be off with you," the ofificer said when we 
 had sent the full bags aboard, " and if you get 
 fresh fish, come alongside when you go home. 
 What's doing in New York?" 
 
 " I can't say, sir, seein's I don't live there, an' 
 a big place like that ain't for poor fishermen, ex- 
 cept when they've got a cargo to sell." 
 
 " Where do you live ? " 
 
 " Nearabout Gowanus creek on Long Island." 
 
 We had already cast off from the frigate and 
 were slipping slowly past her by the time this reply 
 was given, and only then did I draw a natural 
 breath, for it seemed certain we would be ordered 
 aboard as prisoners. 
 
 We were hailed by the ship astern, and before a 
 question could be asked, Abel Grant shouted at the 
 full strength of his lungs, as if trying to give the 
 information to all the craft in the bay : 
 
 " We're bound outside fishin', an' haven't got 
 
"jd THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 any clams, 'cause the man on that 'ere craft took 
 all we had without ever payin' a cent for 'em ! " 
 
 A roar of laughter went up from every ship 
 within sound of his voice, and we were not ordered 
 alongside another vessel until after getting well 
 down into the lower bay. Owing to the fact of 
 our moving so slowly, it was possible to take care- 
 ful note of every craft, and I had recovered some- 
 what from my timorousness on seeing that the 
 transports and. store-ships outnumbered the armed 
 vessels as six to one. But the number of red-coats 
 we saw! I dare venture to say we passed thou- 
 sands before going. half the distance to the Hook, 
 and yet there were more transports ahead of 
 us. 
 
 " It's only a question of their takin' New York 
 when they get ready," I said in a whisper to Abel 
 Grant, for I had so far mastered my fears by this 
 time that it was possible to face the situation with 
 some degree of calmness, and he replied in the same 
 cautious tone: 
 
 " There'll be a deal of blood shed before that's 
 done, lad, else General Putnam never'd sent us 
 down here spyin'. I wish we had a couple more 
 hours of daylight." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " So we could run past the whole fleet before 
 sendin' word back." 
 
 " Do you allow that we have information enough 
 yet?" 
 
 " It ain't so much our news, as the fact that 
 somebody must get away mighty soon, else the gen- 
 eral stands a chance of never hearin' from his 
 spies ? " 
 
 "What do you mean?" I asked in surprise, for 
 
THE ENEMY. ^7 
 
 Abel had spoken in so grave a tone that I knew he 
 had some very serious matter in his mind. 
 
 " The bad luck came for us when that whipper- 
 snapper of a Britisher took it inter his head to 
 seize our clams — " 
 
 " But we can easily get more when the tide 
 turns," I interrupted. 
 
 " Ay, lad, I ain't distressin' myself over that part 
 of it; but the mischief was done when we ran 
 alongside the frigate. Now I'm allowin' that 
 Luther Stedman an' his fat friend will make it their 
 business to find out whether we went home after 
 clammin' in Gowanus creek, an' by this time they're 
 makin' up their minds to bring word down here 
 that we're a crew of the hottest kind of Whigs. 
 In case I'm right, what craft would they be likely 
 to board first ? " 
 
 " Why the frigate, of course, for she's at the 
 head of the line, an' nearest the town." 
 
 " Right you are, lad, an' havin' had speech with 
 that clam-lovin' Britisher, it won't work his brain 
 very hard to guess all about us. Then you can 
 make up your mind that a boat or two will be sent 
 out to round us up as prisoners, consequently I'm 
 allowin' that one of this 'ere party best try to 
 work back while there's time." 
 
 " An' are you countin' that we shall all be taken 
 prisoners ? " I asked, my voice trembling despite 
 every effort to render it steady. 
 
 " Not much I don't ! " was the emphatic reply. 
 "There's a big difference 'twixt bein' pulled up 
 with a sharp turn by some of these 'ere Britishers, 
 an' gettin' back to the town. Unless they set to 
 work mighty soon, I'll agree to keep out'er their 
 clutches for quite a spell; but won't agree that we 
 
78 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 can send word to New York whenever we feel like 
 it. I'm allowin', in case we're left to do as we 
 please, to haul in behind Coney Island when we get 
 there, which is only what any honest fisherman 
 would be likely to do." 
 
 Abe and Sam could not but overhear what had 
 been said, and because they took the matter so 
 quietly I fancied both had realized the situation 
 some time before, while I, who was supposed to 
 be the leader, had been the only one who failed 
 to understand what was before us. 
 
 " I'm reckonin' we can carry a good bit of news 
 back," Abel Grant said thoughtfully. " We've had 
 a fairly full view of the whole show, an' should be 
 able to say about how many guns there are in the 
 fleet. Now if we could make a reasonable guess 
 as to where they might be countin' on makin' a 
 landin', the first part of our job would be done 
 in decent shape." 
 
 " Don't you suppose they will sail directly up to 
 the town ? " I asked in surprise, for I was so thick- 
 headed as to fancy such a fleet and army could do 
 very nearly what they pleased. 
 
 " The Britishers ain't quite sich fools as to think 
 our people can be walked over without kickin' up 
 any fuss, an' you'll see that they go kind'er cau- 
 tious. Of course they're likely to land somewhere 
 on Long Island, an' I'd give one of my ears to say 
 where to a certainty," and Abel Grant rubbed his 
 chin as if by so doing he could the more readily 
 solve the problem. 
 
 " Who is to go back with word of what we have 
 seen ? " Abraham asked after a brief time of silence. 
 
 " It seems to me that Abel ought to be the mes- 
 senger." 
 
THE ENEMY. 79 
 
 " That's where you're way out of your reckonin'," 
 the " admiral " replied quickly and hotly. " I'm 
 in charge of this 'ere fleet, an' it never'd do to 
 desert my post. Eph can't leave, seein's he's com- 
 mander of the land forces, so, 'cordin' to my fig- 
 gerin', it lays 'twixt Abe an' Sam." 
 
 I felt confident they would be glad of an op- 
 portunity to get away from the trouble that must 
 come to us in case Abel Grant was in the right as to 
 what Luther Stedman and his big friend might do ; 
 but much to my surprise both the lads wanted to 
 stay, and if anything had been needed to prevent 
 me from showing the white feather, it would have 
 been the discussion that ensued as to which was 
 entitled to remain in the place of danger. 
 
 " I'm allowin' that whoever is to go, leaves as 
 soon after we come to anchor as he can get ashore," 
 Abel Grant said, interrupting the wordy quarrel 
 between the boys. " You'll never be able to settle 
 the matter yourselves, without comin' to blows, so 
 s'posen you let Ephraim name the messenger?" 
 
 " I wouldn't be willing to do that," and I did not 
 really feel as if I had the right to do so. 
 
 " Then it'll be a case of drawin' lots, so's to 
 have everythin' ready for a quick move," Abel an- 
 nounced, and to this I agreed as the only fair plan, 
 whereupon Abraham said with considerable show 
 of irritation, as if believing it was really his right 
 to stay by the sloop: 
 
 " Let Eph take a couple of splinters, one longer 
 than the other, an' he who draws the shortest shall 
 stay behind. I'm not minded to worry over this 
 thing a great while, so s'pose you get to work." 
 
 I went into the cabin, where I might make ready 
 for the drawing without chance of being seen, and 
 
8o THE MINUTE. BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 when the two fragments of wood were secure in 
 my hand, with no sign about them to show which 
 was the shortest, I came into the cockpit, . when 
 Abraham said: 
 
 " I would rather cut ofif one of my fingers than 
 set out for New York while there's a chance that 
 they who are left behind may be in big danger, 
 yet you shall make the first choice, Sam, an' I'll 
 abide by the result without a whimper." 
 
 " I'm no more keen to go than are you ; but we 
 can't squabble over it all day, so here goes," and, 
 without seeming to look at the bits of wood, Sam 
 drew out one from my hand. 
 
 Then I showed the other, and Abe gave a great 
 cry of joy, for Sam held that one which was a full 
 inch longer than the other. 
 
 " There's no use cryin' over spilled milk," Abel 
 Grant said, as if he would comfort the disconsolate 
 looking Sam. " If it's danger you're hankerin' for, 
 I'm allowin' that he who goes will run up against 
 it plenty and hard, for who's to say that Luther 
 Stedman, burnin' to get square because of your 
 deliverin' him up as a prisoner, won't guess that, 
 since it's likely we've come here as spies, this same 
 move will be made. It wouldn't need that a man 
 should be overly bright to come to that conclusion, 
 an' you can make up your mind he'd try to cut the 
 messenger off. Besides, with this 'ere fleet so close 
 at hand, the Tories on the island will make mat- 
 ters hot for any Whig who comes their way." 
 
 Sam's face brightened as the matter was thus 
 presented, and even before Abel Grant ceased speak- 
 ing I came to believe that the messenger might be 
 in even more danger than we whom he left be- 
 hind, for we could put to sea if necessary to avoid 
 
THE ENEMY. 8l 
 
 capture, while he must trust wholly to his own 
 legs. 
 
 Now that the decision had been made Abel Grant 
 called Sam aft, and pointed out to him this frigate 
 or that sloop-of-war, urging that he so fix in his 
 mind the general appearance of the fleet that he could 
 set before the general a fair idea of what he had 
 seen, and all the while we were drawing nearer and 
 nearer to the lee of Coney Island. 
 
 By this time we were so far from the Britishers 
 that there was little chance of being overhauled 
 while we appeared to be honest fishermen seeking 
 a harbor for the night, and it seemed certain that 
 for twelve hours at least we might count on doing 
 very much as pleased us. 
 
 During all the time we were running in under the 
 lee of the land Abel Grant continued to talk with 
 Sam, impressing on his mind that portion of the 
 scene which would seem of the most importance 
 to General Putnam, and immediately the anchor 
 had been let go, with the sloop less than fifty yards 
 from the shore, the " admiral " hauled the punt 
 alongside. 
 
 " Get hard-tack enough to stay your stomach till 
 mornin', Sam, an' then you'll be where it'll be 
 possible to get food in plenty, or else you won't 
 be needin' overly much." 
 
 It seemed to me a brutal way of reminding the 
 lad that there was danger in plenty before him, 
 yet Sam appeared pleased rather than otherwise that 
 his task was to be beset with difficulty, and said 
 hurriedly, while stowing the biscuit under his shirt 
 where they would not hamper his movements : 
 
 "Allowin' that I get to New York all right, I 
 shall come straight back here as soon as the gen- 
 
82 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 eral can be told of what we've seen, so keep a 
 sharp look-out for me, in case you're cruisin' nearby. 
 I'll show some kind of a signal, if possible; but 
 you can count to a dead certainty that I'll be here 
 inside of three days if I'm alive an' at liberty." 
 
 Then the plucky fellow stepped over the rail into 
 the punt, and Abel Grant paddled him ashore with- 
 out giving us time to say a word of farewell. 
 
 Night had fully shut in when the " admiral " 
 came over the rail again, and Abe and I were in 
 the cabin overhauling the generous supply of stores 
 in order to break our long fast. 
 
 " Goin' it kind'er strong, eh ? " Abel said with a 
 laugh as he saw how much we had laid out for 
 supper. " It strikes me that you've got enough 
 there for a full company of Minute Boys." 
 
 " We may as well live high .while we can, for 
 there's no tellin' how soon all this stuff will be taken 
 aboard one of the Britishers," Abe replied grimly. 
 " Why did you hurry Sam off so fast ? A few 
 minutes more or less couldn't have made any great 
 difference." 
 
 " It wasn't the time I wanted to save, but the 
 words," Abel Grant said gravely. " You lads are 
 mixin' yourselves up in real war, when the lives 
 of an hundred, or even a thousand men don't count 
 very heavy, an' it ain't a good plan to talk overly 
 much in the way of sayin' good-bye when a fellow 
 is headin' for a hornet's nest." 
 
 " We're the ones who are nearest the hornet's 
 nest." Abe said with a laugh. 
 
 " We shall be after Luther Stedman does his 
 work; but for the next four an' twenty hours Sam 
 has got the ticklish job. There ain't a Tory on 
 
THE ENEMY. 83 
 
 Long Island who don't know his father for the 
 hottest kind of a Whig, an', seein' Sam come from 
 this direction, it won't be a very far call to set down 
 his exact business. I only hope he'll pull through 
 all right, an' he's the most foolish kind of a fool 
 if he tries to come back." 
 
 Such talk as this was not calculated to make me 
 feel any stouter in mind, and I hastened to change 
 the subject by proposing that the " admiral " fry 
 some salt pork, while I boiled potatoes. Then 
 we squabbled over what should be cooked, finding 
 it difficult amid our plenty to make a selection, 
 until it was almost as if we had forgotten Sam, 
 who was toiling through the underbrush on his 
 way across the island. 
 
 It was a veritable feast we had that evening, and 
 we ate like lads who have nothing to fear, triihng 
 with the food after the edge had been taken from 
 our appetites, to the end that we might remain 
 longer over the meal; but it could not be prolonged 
 beyond a certain time, and then came the question 
 of turning in for the night. 
 
 Abel Grant insisted on going ashore to have a 
 look seaward before going to sleep, and while he 
 was doing so Abe and I sat in the cabain silent and 
 motionless, each intent on his own thoughts, which 
 were none of the cheeriest. 
 
 " There's nothin' to be seen more'n when we 
 dropped anchor," Master Grant reported when he 
 came aboard after an absence of ten minutes or 
 less, " an' I didn't expect that there would be ; 
 but we can't afford to shut our eyes altogether. 
 You lads had better turn in, and I'll call you in 
 time to stand your share of the watch." 
 
84 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " What is the need of all that? " I asked irritably, 
 for it seemed much like an excess of precaution 
 while we were so near the shore. 
 
 " If I could tell you to a certainty, lad, there 
 wouldn't be a call for any one to stay awake. It's 
 to guard against what we know nothin' about, that 
 the trick's to be done, so turn in while you may." 
 
 It seemed to me that I should never be able to 
 close my eyes in slumber while danger was so near 
 at hand, and yet I dare venture to say that within 
 ten minutes I was sleeping as peacefully and as 
 noisily as Abraham. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 UNWELCOME VISITORS. 
 
 It was as if I had hardly more than lost myself 
 in slumber when I was awakened by Abraham, who 
 announced that the new day would dawn in less 
 than two hours. I insisted that he had made a mis- 
 take, still believing I had but just turned in, yet 
 was forced to admit he was right after learning that 
 Abel Grant had remained on watch until nearly 
 midnight, before arousing my comrade. 
 
 " It seems like a useless loss of sleep, while every- 
 thin' is so quiet, but I'm willin' to admit that Abel 
 Grant knows best," Abraham said as he rolled into 
 his bunk with a little squeak of content. 
 
 " Have you seen or heard anythin' ? " I asked, 
 rubbing my eyes sleepily as I looked out through 
 the hatch. 
 
 " Not so much as the flappin' of a bird's wing. 
 It seems as if, with the wind drawin' down from 
 the fleet, we might hear the cries of the sentries; 
 but nothing has come to my ears. We appear to 
 be snug enough here, an' I only wish we knew 
 Sam was as free from trouble." 
 
 Abraham had hardly more than ceased speaking 
 before the sound of loud breathing told that he was 
 asleep, and I stepped softly out on deck in order 
 to let the drowsiness blow from my eyes. 
 85 
 
86 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG' ISLAND. 
 
 Save for the distant rumble of surf on the outer 
 side of the island, the most profound silence 
 reigned. Far away in the distance could be seen 
 tiny points of light, which I took to be the Britishers' 
 lanterns, but, otherwise than such signs of life, we 
 were apparently as much alone as if in an unin- 
 habited world. 
 
 The night breath from the ocean was invigorat- 
 ing, for the previous day had been exceedingly 
 warm, and our little cabin was like unto a furnace. 
 I drew in long draughts of the cool air as I specu- 
 lated upon what Sam might be doing, and if he 
 had traveled without interruption since leaving us, 
 until having worked myself up to the belief that 
 I had been frightened without cause — that our 
 task of spying upon the enemy's fleet was no more 
 than a pleasure excursion. 
 
 And then, when the sense of perfect security 
 had banished all forebodings, there came to my ears 
 a faint sound which caused me to spring to the rail 
 in a listening attitude, every nerve in my body 
 tingling. 
 
 The wind had brought a noise as of oars in the 
 distance, and during two or three rnoments I stood 
 there undecided as to whether I might have been 
 deceived, after which there could no longer be 
 any question. 
 
 A boat was coming toward us from the direc- 
 tion of the fleet, and on the instant all the fancied 
 sense of security had vanished, leaving in its stead 
 a vague terror which caused me to tremble 
 violently. 
 
 Could it be that Luther Stedman had already 
 given information as to our being ardent Whigs, 
 and the enemy was coming thus soon to take us 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 87 
 
 into custody as spies? It did not seem reasonable 
 that all this could have been done thus soon, and 
 yet if such was not the case, why was a boat bear- 
 ing down upon us? 
 
 While one might have counted thirty I stood ir- 
 resolute, asking myself questions that could not be 
 answered, but the reply to which might come all 
 too soon, and then I ran into the cuddy, shaking 
 Abel Grant violently as I whispered: 
 
 " The Britishers are comin' ! Luther Stedman 
 must have sent them! Turn out, for there's no 
 time to be lost ! " 
 
 Abel came from the bunk like a steel spring, wide 
 awake, and asking in a puzzled tone: 
 
 " What's to be done that time is so precious ? " 
 
 " That's what I don't know ; but we can't allow 
 ourselves to be taken here like rats in a trap ! " 
 
 I had spoken sufficiently loud to awaken Abra- 
 ham, who leaped out of his bunk just as Abel Grant 
 went on deck, and, without speaking, we two lads 
 followed him. 
 
 It was not needed that we strain our ears overly 
 much, for now the thump of oars in the row-locks 
 came over the water loud, distinct, and sounding in 
 my ears like the knell of doom. 
 
 Abel Grant remained silent, listening, until it 
 seemed to me he would never speak, and, unable to 
 control my patience longer, I plucked him by the 
 shirt-sleeve, whispering : 
 
 " What shall we do ? We can't stand here idle 
 while they are comin' so fast ! " 
 
 " I reckon that's what we'll have to do," Abel 
 replied with that exasperating drawl of his which 
 it seemed was unusually pronounced as if to irri- 
 tate me. " That boat ain't so near as it seems, for 
 
88 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the surface of the water brings the noise a long 
 distance. The cuddy is the place for us; it would 
 never do to let the Britishers, if so be they are 
 really comin' here, find us waitin' for 'em." 
 
 Having thus spoken he went into the cabin, and 
 Abraham and I could do no less than follow, al- 
 though it seemed to me that it was the most fool- 
 ish move we could make, and so I told him when 
 we had drawn the hatch lest the sound of our voices 
 should be heard. 
 
 " That's a matter of opinion, Ephraim, 'cordin' 
 to my way of thinkin' ; but p'rhaps you can tell me 
 what we could say to the Britishers, if they found 
 us waitin' for 'em? In case we were really the 
 honest fishermen we claim to be, what call would 
 there be for standin' watch while anchored here 
 where no harm could come to the sloop if a livin' 
 gale should spring up? Why wouldn't we be 
 sleepin', to be ready for a day's work when the sun 
 rises ? " 
 
 Abel Grant was right, as he had always contrived 
 to be from the time he adopted us Minute Boys as 
 his own particular following. A blind man could 
 have seen that by thus being on the alert when the 
 Britishers arrived, we would be much the same as 
 advertising the fact that we were fearing they might 
 pay us a visit, and without waiting to see what the 
 others might be counting on doing, I rolled into my 
 bunk. 
 
 Abel Grant and Abraham followed my example, 
 and as we lay there pretending to be asleep, with 
 the clanking of the oars sounding louder and louder 
 each moment, my heart beat so fast and furious 
 that involuntarily I held my hand over it. 
 
 If the Britishers had come aboard at that mo- 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 89 
 
 ment, one glance at my face would have been suffi- 
 cient to show that I was thoroughly afraid; but, 
 luckily, they gave me time to gather my scattered 
 wits sufficiently to understand that unless I was 
 willing to be made a prisoner, it was necessary to 
 control myself. 
 
 Ominously sounded the noise of the oars ; the sus- 
 pense was becoming greater each instant, until it 
 was with a feeling of positive relief that I felt the 
 sloop heel over as she was struck amidships, and 
 with the shock came the hail: 
 
 " On board there ! Turn out, you bloomin' Yan- 
 kees, an' give an account of yourselves ! " 
 
 Surely this seemed sufficient proof that Luther 
 Stedman had worked our undoing, but, and it 
 seems strange to me even now, because of the dan- 
 ger which I had feared was close at hand, my cour- 
 age returned and I was able to follow my com- 
 rades when they tumbled out of the cabin with the 
 utmost speed, looking and acting as if scared nearly 
 out of their senses. 
 
 " What's up ? What's gone wrong ? Sheer off, 
 or you'll run us down ! " Abel Grant cried shrilly, 
 but not forgetting to lengthen his words until it was 
 as if he pulled them out from between his teeth, 
 and I had no little difficulty in keeping my face 
 straight, so comical did it all appear. 
 
 " What are you doing down here ? " a stern 
 voice from out the gloom asked, and Abel replied 
 in the most innocent manner possible : 
 
 " We was tryin' to bottle up a little sleep ; but 
 if you're goin' to cruise 'round so reckless-like, I 
 reckon it stands us in hand to keep our eyes open 
 mighty wide." 
 
 " When did you leave New York ? " the voice 
 
90 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 asked sternly, and I could hear the sailors giggling 
 as if amused by Abel's reply. 
 
 " Bless your heart, we don't live in New York. 
 We come out'er Gowanus creek this mornin', 
 countin' to put to sea after bluefish; but a feller on 
 one of the vessels took all our clams, an' now we've 
 got to wait till the tide turns before there'll be a 
 show of gettin' any more." 
 
 Then came a few words in a low tone, which I 
 could not catch, and the officer, for such I supposed 
 the man who had done the talking must be, said 
 sharply : 
 
 " You'll get under way and follow me." 
 
 At the same instant a marine, musket in hand, 
 leaped aboard the sloop, and I understood that we 
 were not to be given an opportunity to disobey; 
 but Abel Grant continued to play his part, by say- 
 ing in a tone of entreaty: 
 
 " Look here. Mister, we can't go foolin' 'round 
 the bay, else we'll lose the tide an' waste a whole 
 day. What do you want us for, any way ? " 
 
 " Do as you're bidden without making any fur- 
 ther talk about it, or I'll take you with me, and 
 send a couple more men aboard to handle your 
 craft." 
 
 " But, look here, Mister — " 
 
 " Get your anchor, and be lively about it ! " the 
 officer cried angrily, and Abel Grant went forward 
 meekly, saying in an undertone to us lads, but yet 
 speaking sufficiently loud to be heard by the Brit- 
 ishers : , 
 
 " Here I've been makin' a bloomin' fool of myself 
 wishin' the king's ships would come, so's we'd have 
 a chance to sell fish an' jest when we've got the 
 
UNWEtCOME VISITORS. 9 1 
 
 show to make a few shillin's some fool trick must 
 be played on us ! " 
 
 The marine was standing stiffly near the tiller 
 when we got our anchor, and if ever sail was made 
 clumsily, it was on the Swiftsure that morning. 
 Abel tumbled here and there; pulled at the main 
 sheet as if believing it was the halliards, and other- 
 wise made such a show of himself that the British 
 seamen could not restrain their mirth, while the 
 officer fired off volley after volley of oaths as a 
 means of quickening his movements. 
 
 And all the while that we thus played the sim- 
 ple my heart was as heavy as lead, for I knew full 
 well we were prisoners, even though allowed to re- 
 main on board our own vessel, and there was no 
 question in my mind but that all this had been 
 brought about by Luther Stedman and his friend, 
 although I could not quite figure out how it had 
 been done thus quickly. 
 
 The only rift of sunshine in all the gloom was the 
 fact that unless Sam came to grief while travel- 
 ing across Long Island, we would have sent at 
 least one report to General Putnam before thus 
 making a dire failure of the whole venture. 
 
 Well, we made sail finally, and, acting under the 
 direction of the officer, followed close in the wake 
 of his boat. The wind was light, being no more 
 than the night breath which comes in over the sea 
 at early morning, and the oarsmen were obliged to 
 row very leisurely otherwise they would speedily 
 have run us out of sight. 
 
 The new day was just breaking when we came up 
 with the outermost armed vessel in the fleet, and 
 were ordered to make the sloop fast astern, a 
 
92 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 hawser having been passed to us for that purpose. 
 
 " You will stay where you are until further or- 
 ders," the officer said in a pompous tone as he went 
 up the rope-ladder hanging over the ship's side. 
 " The sentry has instructions to shoot without stop- 
 ping to ask questions, if you make the slightest 
 move toward sneaking ofif." 
 
 " We may as well stay here as under the lee of 
 the island, so long's we've lost the tide," Abel Grant 
 said in a despondent tone, and to us lads he added, 
 " Come inter the cuddy, boys, an' we'll finish our 
 snooze." 
 
 The marine had already seated himself in the 
 stern-sheets, where he remained stiff as a poker, his 
 musket held across one arm that it might be brought 
 into use without loss of time, but otherwise look- 
 ing very comfortable. 
 
 " I reckon, neighbor, it won't do any good to ask 
 you to come down an' jine us in our snooze, an' by 
 the same token neither you nor that Britisher with 
 the gold lace are likely to say anythin' agin our 
 takin' what comfort we may ? " 
 
 " So that you obey orders by layin' here quietly, 
 there is no reason why you should not do whatever 
 you please," the man said gruffly, and yet not with- 
 out a certain tone of friendliness. 
 
 " It strikes me that we can't do anythin' else than 
 obey orders so long as we're made fast to your 
 ship," Abel Grant replied with a laugh as if he 
 viewed the situation in the light of a joke, and 
 then he pulled the hatch over, thus shutting us out 
 from view of those on the ship, as well as the ma- 
 rine. 
 
 When this had been done, we three came close to- 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 93 
 
 gether, as far forward as possible, and Abel said 
 in a whisper: 
 
 " I'm allowin', lads, that this 'ere is the end of 
 our cruise. If we hadn't been sich fools as to take 
 all these stores aboard, then there might be some 
 chance of carryin' out the game of bein' honest 
 fishermen, providin' Luther Stedman don't show 
 up. But as it is, once one of them Britishers comes 
 below, he'll see that we're outfitted for a longer 
 voyage than a day's fishin'." 
 
 " Isn't there somethin' we can do to give 'em the 
 slip ? " Abe asked hopefully. 
 
 " I leave it to you to say what that may be, an' 
 stand ready to jine in anythin' that promises half 
 a chance; but with the marine aboard, an' the sen- 
 tries on the ship ready to fire at the first show of 
 tryin' to get away, I can't understand how we'll be 
 able to make a move." 
 
 " And if Luther Stedman should come to say we 
 are Whigs, who took him and his friend prisoriers, 
 what then ? " I asked. 
 
 " Well, I reckon we'll have a taste of prison life 
 aboard a British vessel, an' I'm told it ain't at all 
 comfortable," Abel Grant said seriously. " Look 
 here, the one thing to be done is to keep our upper 
 lips stiff. We're in a box where there ain't much 
 chance for backin' out, an' the only thing left is to 
 show the bloomin' Britishers that we're no cowards. 
 I shall stick to the story that we had nothin' more 
 in mind than a day's fishin', even if Luther Sted- 
 man stands in front of me. It ain't what you might 
 call real lyin', an' even if it was, I'll allow that we'd 
 be warranted in it, seein's this is mighty serious, 
 an' we are servin' the Cause." 
 
94 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Having thus shovyn us that he did not indulge in 
 any hope of escape, Abel Grant crawled into one 
 of the bunks as if it was his purpose to go to sleep ; 
 but Abraham and I sat there on the locker, hold- 
 ing each other by the hand, two as disheartened lads 
 as could have been found in all the colonies. 
 
 We had dreamed of being able to do men's work 
 in this fight for liberty, and yet had come to grief 
 before really beginning the first task set us. The 
 only ray of comfort I could see in all the wretched 
 business was, that it had been brought about 
 through no fault of ours. We had simply obeyed 
 orders, and in the obeying had come to a prison. 
 
 How long we two sat there side by side, leaning 
 one against the other as if the friendly contact 
 strengthened our courage, I cannot say. Surely it 
 must have been an hour, and during all that time 
 Abel Grant remained motionless, even more silent 
 than if he had really been asleep. 
 
 Then it was that an unusual movement of the 
 sloop told us the marine had changed position, and 
 an instant later we heard him crying to some of his 
 comrades on the ship : 
 
 " Pass me down some oil-skins, will you ? There 
 is no need of gettin' soaked through, even though I 
 am forced to stand guard over a lot of bloomin' 
 colonists." ' 
 
 " Why does he want oil-skins ? " Abel Grant mut- 
 tered, and then in the dim light of the cuddy I could 
 see him creeping toward the hatchway. 
 
 A moment later he stole softly back to where we 
 were sitting, and whispered excitedly : 
 
 " Lads, there's as thick a fog smother come in 
 from sea as I ever looked at, an' who knows but 
 that it's our one chance ? " 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 95 
 
 " Chance for what ? " I whispered irritably. 
 " How can we do anythin' while that red-coated 
 marine sits aft with his musket ready to shoot us 
 if we happen to show ourselves in a way that doesn't 
 happen to please him?" 
 
 " I ain't jest certain how the trick may be 
 worked ; but with everythin' shut in by the smother, 
 it seems as if we might turn it to our advantage. 
 I reckon it's best we don't make overly much talk 
 here, for if the marine hears us whisperin' he'll 
 guess, unless his head is thicker than I allow for, 
 that we've got some scheme afoot." 
 
 So far as I could judge, it made little difference 
 whether he suspected anything or not, for surely 
 so long as we were made fast to the ship, and he 
 remained aboard to see that we did not attempt to 
 change the position of affairs, we were powerless. 
 
 After sitting still while one might have counted 
 twenty, Abel whispered to me that I was to open 
 the hatch, and stand at the head of the cuddy stairs 
 talking on whatsoever subject came to my mind, 
 with himself and Abraham, regardless of what an- 
 swers they might make. 
 
 " It's just to show yourself, an' see to it that the 
 bloomin' marine don't get overly suspicious," he 
 said in conclusion, and then began crawling over the 
 stores into the very forepeak of the sloop. 
 
 Wondering what sort of a plan he might have 
 in mind when it seemed certain none could avail us, 
 but yet knowing that he must have settled upon 
 something, I obeyed, opening the hatch only so far 
 as was needed in order to peer out, when I saw 
 that there could be no mistake as to the fog storm. 
 
 Never had I known the gray vapor so dense ; turn- 
 ing my head I could see only dimly the outlines of 
 
96 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the ship, astern of which we rode within fifteen or 
 twenty yards, and despite the gravity of the situa- 
 tion I could not have restrained myself from smil- 
 ing at the disconsolate figure of the marine who, 
 enveloped in oil-skins, was humped up in the stern- 
 sheets as forlorn a royalist spectacle as a Whig 
 could possibly wish to see. 
 
 " I reckon we haven't lost anythin' by bein' forced 
 to tail on behind your vessel," I said in a friendly 
 tone, thinking it was as well to enter into conversa- 
 tion with the guard as with my comrades. " In 
 this smother there'll be no fishin', an' even if we 
 had put out, it would be a case of gettin' back under 
 the lee of the island again." 
 
 " I wish you an' all the bloomin' colonists in this 
 blasted country had been sunk before ever I enlisted 
 to come over here an' show you your duty to the 
 king," the marine growled, wiping off the drops 
 of water which were trickling down his nose, with 
 the sleeve of his coat. 
 
 " Well, there's one thing about it," I said laugh- 
 ingly, and if anything could give a fellow comfort 
 it was the picture of that unhappy lobster-back, " we 
 colonists didn't ask you to come, an' would have 
 been well content had you staid at home, if this is 
 the way we're to be used." 
 
 " I can't see but what you are havin' the best of 
 this business," he growled. 
 
 " In what way? " 
 
 " You can stay snug in the cabin while I'm under 
 orders to sit here with this blasted fog drenchin' 
 the Hfe out of me." 
 
 " Why don't you come below ? " 
 
 " Because my orders were to stay here." 
 
 Thinking I had talked long enough with the ma- 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 97 
 
 rine, I bent down to speak with Abraham, and that 
 which I could dimly see caused so much surprise 
 that my tongue absolutely refused to wag. And 
 yet there was nothing particularly terrifying or as- 
 tonishing in the scene, for it was made up only 
 of Abel Grant's boots; but they were stretched at 
 full length along the narrow space which, in a 
 larger vessel, would have been called a forepeak. 
 
 In a twinkling I understood his purpose as well 
 as if he had explained it in so many words. 
 
 In the deck, at the heel of the bowsprit, we had, 
 when building the sloop, put in a small hatch to the 
 end that a hawser might be stowed below when we 
 were riding to the anchor at short range, and this 
 hatch gave, as a matter of course, directly upon 
 the bitts, to which were attached a rope that held 
 us to the British vessel. 
 
 Abel Grant had conceived the idea of slipping 
 this hawser by reaching up through the small aper- 
 ture, and if it might be done without his hands be- 
 ing seen, which was a slight risk while the fog was 
 so dense, then would the sloop be adrift. Five min- 
 utes afterward, with the tide on the ebb as it was, 
 we should be so far astern that unless they came to 
 seek us in a boat, we were free ; but, and here I could 
 see the defect in our " admiral's " scheme, the ma- 
 rine would still be on board, and armed. How- 
 ever, despite the risk, for with a single shot those 
 on the ship might have sunk our sloop off hand, it 
 was a chance well worth the taking. I had so far 
 regained my courage as to mentally snap my fingers 
 at the remainder of the plan, trusting that Abel 
 Grant had head enough to carry it through suc- 
 cessfully. 
 
 Now it was that I advanced one step up on the 
 
98 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 stairs, speaking again to the marine, and this time 
 regarding the possibility that the fog might linger 
 several days before lifting; but all the while watch- 
 ing out of the tail of my eye at that point just for- 
 ward of the mainmast, where should be seen Abel 
 Grant's hand. 
 
 Twice I thought I detected it, and it required all 
 my strength of will to keep up the conversation 
 with the marine, who answe^ed curtly, his temper 
 too far gone to admit of finding any amusement in 
 conversing with a " blasted Yankee." 
 
 And then it seemed to me that Abel must have 
 abandoned his purpose, for I saw no movement 
 whatsoever until dimly there came within my line of 
 vision that which was like unto a dark snake, wrig- 
 gling slowly over the bow. Then a light splash in 
 the water, so light that amid the lip, lip, lipping of 
 the waves one could hardly have detected it, and my 
 heart came into my throat ^yith a bound, for I knew 
 that the sloop was adrift. 
 
 The marine, his cap pulled down over his eyes, 
 contented himself with watching the door of the 
 cuddy with the idea that no mischief could be done 
 while we remained below, and consequently he 
 failed, to note that the outlines of the ship, so indis- 
 tinct in the fog, were rapidly melting away, until 
 finally nothing could be seen save that gray wall of 
 vapor. 
 
 From the deck of the Britisher I question if at 
 any time since the fog had shut in, our sloop could 
 be seen because of lying so low on the water and 
 being such a small object, therefore were the 
 chances much in our favor that the sentries on the 
 frigate were unaware of what was taking place. 
 
VNWELCOME VISITORS. 99 
 
 In the cuddy below I could hear some one moving 
 about softly, and understood that Abel Grant was 
 coming back from the forepeak, his work having 
 been done, and done successfully. 
 
 An instant later he thrust his head out the hatch- 
 way by the side of mine, asking in a sleepy tone : 
 
 " Are there any signs of this smother thinnin' up, 
 lad?" 
 
 " It's growin' thicker than ever," I replied. 
 "How is the wind?" 
 
 " A little west of south, I reckon, what there is 
 of it, an' comin' from that point you can't expect 
 fair weather yet a while. Say, this is a little the 
 toughest I've ever struck on the Long Island shore, 
 an' I'm hopin' I shan't see the like agin'." 
 
 While Abel was speaking I heard Abraham mov- 
 ing softly around just below me, and a moment 
 later felt some hard object against my back as Abel 
 Grant apparently reached out his hand and seized 
 it. For a moment I was at a loss to understand 
 what it might be, and then came the thought that 
 our " admiral " was making ready to take care of 
 the marine in the stern-sheets, if peradventure the 
 thick-headed Britisher came to suspect that all was 
 not exactly as it should be. Abraham had passed 
 him the musket, but whether it was loaded or not 
 I could not say. The chances were that my com- 
 rades had not stopped to so far make their prepara- 
 tions. 
 
 Then Abel pulled at my jacket from behind, look- 
 ing into my face in a meaning way, and I, under- 
 standing that he desired me to give way for him, 
 stepped back into the cuddy, saying as I did so : 
 
 " If you find any sport standin' out there in the 
 
100 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 fog, you may soak yourself, for all I care. I'll take 
 my trick in your bunk." 
 
 Abraham was standing in the center of the cabin 
 with a spare tiller in his hand, and again I under- 
 stood all the plan without need of words. 
 
 Abel Grant had sent me below in order that he 
 might not be hampered in his movements if it be- 
 came necessary to suddenly spring upon the marine, 
 and Abraham with his oaken club was ready to fol- 
 low at the first signal, which would not be given 
 until there was evidence that the Britishers had dis- 
 covered the trick. 
 
 Now it was simply a question of waiting, and this 
 to me was the most difficult of all, even though I 
 knew full well that every moment increased our 
 chances of escape, for the tide was steadily setting 
 us eastward, and the wind, such as it was, would 
 be forcing the sloop in the direction of Coney Is- 
 land, although I allowed we would be well out to 
 sea before we came off the land, in case we drifted 
 so far without interruption. 
 
 The great fear in my mind was that those on 
 board the frigate would discover too soon what had 
 been done, and yet I asked myself how they could, 
 for the sloop had been shut out from view by the 
 fog before Abel Grant let slip the cable. It would 
 only happen if some overly curious one should pull 
 in on the hawser, and there was little chance in such 
 a smother, for the fog was so dense that it was 
 like unto a storm of rain, that any one on board the 
 frigate would be loitering outside, save while abso- 
 lutely on duty. 
 
 Take it all in all, I believed that Abel Grant had 
 the same as succeeded in his purpose, and yet so 
 great was my anxiety that I trembled like a leaf, 
 
" ' MOVE EVER SO LITTLE, AN* I'LL PUT A BALL 
 THROUGH YOUR HEAD ! ' " 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. lOI 
 
 and was forced to sit down on the locker, otherwise 
 my knees would have given way beneath me. 
 
 Abraham Decker stood like a statue immediately 
 behind Abel, on whom he kept his eyes fixed that 
 not the slightest movement of our leader should es- 
 cape him, and thus we remained, no one may say 
 how long. 
 
 As some relief from the mental strain I began 
 to count the seconds, with the idea of getting some 
 little knowledge of the passage of time; but even 
 that was impossible while my mind was in such a 
 turmoil. 
 
 It may have been two hours for aught I know, 
 and I would dare swear that it was more than half 
 an hour, when I heard the marine say in a startled 
 tone: 
 
 " Where is that blasted frigate? " 
 
 Abel Grant bounded out onto the deck like a 
 ball of rubber, Abraham following at his heels, and 
 on the instant came the words in a low tone: 
 
 " Move ever so little, an' I'll put a ball through 
 your head! Hold your peace, an' no harm shall 
 come to you ! " 
 
 By this time I was at the cuddy entrance and 
 saw Abel standing with the muzzle of his musket 
 pressed against the marine's ear, while Abraham 
 faced him with uplifted club. 
 
 " I reckon we were out of earshot long before 
 this, lads, an' now it is only a question of makin' 
 certain this lobster-back don't raise his voice, thereby 
 obligin' me to blow out what few brains he's got. 
 Give us your cap, Eph. No, I can't take it 'cause 
 this 'ere musket is goin' to stay right where it is. 
 Chuck it in his mouth, an', Abraham, you are to 
 take charge of his gun." 
 
102 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 The Britisher showed good sound sense when he 
 resigned himself to the inevitable. He must have 
 known beyond a peradventure that we were des- 
 perate, and would not hesitate to carry out any 
 threat which had been made, therefore he opened 
 his mouth meekly at the same time that Abraham 
 took the musket from his hands, and we soon had 
 him gagged. 
 
 Now Abel Grant lowered his weapon and at the 
 same time took up the end of the main sheet, mak- 
 ing two or three turns around the Britisher's head 
 in such a manner that my cap was held firmly in 
 place as a gag. We had wiped the marine out of 
 the problem, and now came the question as to 
 whether there was seamanship enough among us to 
 finish that which had been so well begun. 
 
 " We won't be in any great haste about making 
 sail," Abel Grant said in a whisper. " First and 
 foremost we'll get this lobster-back into the cuddy; 
 lash him up where he can't move, an' that done, I'm 
 allowin' we'd best drift a full hour, unless we hear 
 some token from the frigate, seein's how the current 
 and the wind are both workin' our way." 
 
 With three of us to truss up the prisoner the 
 task was not a long one, more particularly since he 
 offered no resistance whatever, but resigned himself 
 entirely to our will, and because of such resigna- 
 tion we treated him with more of tenderness than 
 I had ever believed I could show toward one who 
 wore a red coat. 
 
 He was bundled into a bunk with a bit of spare 
 canvas under his head for a pillow, and we three 
 stood in the cockpit together, straining our ears to 
 listen for some token from the frigate which should 
 tell that the escape was discovered. 
 
UNWELCOME VISITORS. 103 
 
 Then it was that I thought to ask of Abel Grant 
 a question : 
 
 " Was your musket loaded ? " 
 
 " Never a bit of it," he replied with a grin; " but 
 the lobster-back didn't know that." 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE PRISONER. 
 
 When, as nearly as we could guess, an hour 
 passed and nothing had' been heard betokening pur- 
 suit, we on the sloop were in the best of spirits, for, 
 even though a short time before escape had seemed 
 absolutely impossible, it was certain we had shaken 
 off our captors — as Abraham said triumphantly, 
 we had pulled wool over the eyes of the entire Brit- 
 ish fleet. 
 
 " Now do I hope that Luther Stedman and his 
 big friend were the ones who gave information con- 
 cernin' us ! " the lad said with a loud laugh, as if 
 it delighted him to hear the sound of his own voice 
 once more. " They counted on jeerin' at us when 
 we were in the frigate's prison, an' now we are the 
 ones who can do the crowin'." 
 
 " Ay, when we shall be actually free," I added. 
 " Just now the enemy's fleet lies between us and our 
 friends, and the question is how we are to get past 
 them, for I'm allowin' that neither you nor Abel 
 count on our cruisin' 'round at sea, even though we 
 do happen to have provisions for a long voyage." 
 
 " It's enough for me that we have slipped off so 
 nicely, when it was believed we were as helpless as 
 rats in a trap," and again Abraham gave himself up 
 to mirth. 
 
 104 
 
THE PRISONER. 105 
 
 £ 
 
 " Why not make it a bit more easy for the lob- 
 ster-back ? " I asked, suddenly realizing that our 
 prisoner must be absolutely suffering, bound and 
 gagged as he was. 
 
 " Would he do the same for us ? " and now Abra- 
 ham's expression was one of sternness. 
 
 " As to that we need not speculate," I replied 
 sternly. " When there is no need to cause suffer- 
 ing, he who permits it is much the same as a brute." 
 
 " I reckon Ephraim is in the right," Abel Grant 
 said decidedly. " We can well afford to ease up on 
 the fellow a bit, so s'posen you take out the gag, 
 Eph? We'll leave him trussed as he is a spell 
 longer; but it is well to give his jaws a rest." 
 
 I lost no time in acting upon the permission, for 
 it was nothing less since we looked upon Abel as 
 the leader, and when the gag had been removed, I 
 said to the fellow: 
 
 " We had to do this, else you would have given 
 an alarm; but we don't count on puttin' you to any 
 more pain than is absolutely necessary." 
 
 "I suppose you are well clear of the fleet?" he 
 asked as soon as his jaws were limbered sufificiently 
 to admit of his speaking. 
 
 " Ay, there seems to be no doubt as to that." 
 
 " I'd like to know how it was done, an' there can 
 be no harm in tellin' that much now." 
 
 " Not a bit of it," and in a few words I gave him 
 the key to the whole scheme. 
 
 " It was a bloomin' good trick," he said as if it 
 pleased him to know that we had succeeded. "I've 
 heard it said that you Yankees wasn't overly quick- 
 witted ; but if this gang can hoodwink his majesty's 
 crack officers, I reckon you'll get along all right. 
 What's to be done now?" 
 
I06 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " That is somethin' to be decided on later," I re- 
 plied with a laugh, and running on deck I put the 
 same question to Abel Grant, who, with the aid of 
 Abraham, was making sail. 
 
 Instead of replying, he in turn put a question: 
 
 " Is this 'ere sloop a good sea-boat ? Meanin' by 
 that, would you trust her in heavy weather out- 
 side?" 
 
 " Ay, she'll stand up where many another craft 
 would be smothered," I replied proudly, for I had 
 every confidence in the sailorly qualities of the 
 Swiftsure. " But what has that to do with it ? " 
 
 " How would you like to go back to New York 
 an' report at headquarters with a prisoner in tow ? " 
 he asked with a grin, and, failing of understanding 
 what he was driving at, I said with somewhat of 
 impatience : 
 
 " If you've somethin' in mind of moment, don't 
 beat about the bush like a simple ; but when you talk 
 of takin' prisoners to New York, it's a waste of 
 time. I'm not minded to make any try at crossin' 
 Long Island with the lobster-back, for I reckon 
 that's what you mean. There isn't a Tory whom 
 we'd meet, an' you well know how thick they are 
 thereabouts, who wouldn't raise a hue and cry once 
 it was seen what we were up to. Even as it is, 
 I'm thinkin' we shall have to say good-bye to the 
 sloop, an' take the poor chances of followin' in 
 Sam's footsteps." 
 
 By this time the little craft had steerage way on, 
 and Abel took the tiller, saying half to himself as 
 he did so, but still wearing the same grin of satis- 
 faction : 
 
 " It's a case of guessin' at the best; but I'm al- 
 lowin' we shan't go so far astray as to run aground, 
 
THE PRISONER. I07 
 
 for unless I'm way out'er my reckonin', we should 
 be well at sea by this time." Then he added, look- 
 ing at me, " So you've allowed that we're called 
 upon to abandon the sloop, an' take our chances of 
 crossin' Long Island, where three men out of every 
 four we may come across can surely be counted as 
 enemies, eh? " 
 
 "What other course is left? Surely you're not 
 wild enough to think we stand any chance of gettin' 
 past the whole British fleet without bein' cap- 
 tured?" 
 
 " Not a bit of it, lad," and now he grinned in a 
 manner that provoked me sorely. " I don't allow 
 there's the man livin' who could put this 'ere sloop 
 past all them Britishers without bein' overhauled, 
 an' I'm dead certain we couldn't do it, for by this 
 time, if so be the bloomin' lobster-backs have found 
 out we're missin', every man jack of 'em is watchin' 
 for us. The way we gave 'em the slip is well calcu- 
 lated to rile all hands quite considerable." 
 
 " Then why did you ask such foolish questions? " 
 and now I spoke sharply. 
 
 " Because I ain't willin' to say that in order to get 
 back to New York we have got to go up through 
 the Narrows. There is such a thing as a sailin' 
 clean around Long Island, ain't there? It would 
 make quite a cruise, I'll admit; but, 'cordin' to the 
 way I look at the thing, it's a long bit ahead of 
 stickin' our noses where we know we can't get 
 through, an' I'll allow we'd have pretty nigh as 
 much trouble in crossin' the island on foot, as in 
 tryin' to sail up the bay." 
 
 I could have kicked myself with a right good 
 will for not having realized before that there was 
 a way out of our difficulties. It had been so 
 
I08 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 strongly impressed on my mind that we were en- 
 tirely cut off from our friends, that there was no 
 room for any other thought; but now Abel Grant 
 had made the suggestion, I could see clearly how it 
 might be done, at the expense of time, and was 
 ready to shout for very joy until there came to me a 
 remembrance of Sam. 
 
 If so be he succeeded in making his report at 
 headquarters, we knew full well from what the lad 
 had said that he would at once retrace his steps 
 with the idea of joining us, and by thus shaping 
 the course for Montauk Point, we would be in a cer- 
 tain sense deserting him. I said as much to Abel, 
 and it appeared that he was prepared for some such 
 objection, for he replied promptly: 
 
 " Well, an' supposin' we make up our minds that 
 we won't desert him ? That we'll hang 'round here 
 waitin' for him, what then? Have you got any 
 keen idea as to what will happen when this fog 
 lifts, if so be we're nosin' round Long Island ? " 
 
 " The Britishers will pick us up in a twinklin'," 
 I said bitterly. 
 
 " Ay, so they will, an' how much better off would 
 Sam be if we were in the hands of the enemy ? The 
 whole amount of the story, as I look at it, is that we 
 must put him out of our reckonin' entirely, an' a 
 right good job it will be so far as he's concerned. 
 Allow that he got into New York safe, which ain't 
 any sure thing, there's big chances agin his gettin' 
 back to Long Island, an' even if he succeeds, it may 
 be a week before he shows up. This 'ere business, 
 Ephraim Lyttle, is war, an' however fast com- 
 rades we may be with a fellow, his safety must not 
 stand in the way of our duty." 
 
 He would have been a simple who did not realize 
 
THE PRISONER. 109 
 
 the force of Abel Grant's reasoning, and without 
 spending very much time in thought I understood 
 that, so far as our movements were concerned, it 
 must be as if Sam had never had an existence. We 
 were bound to get back among our friends, if pos- 
 sible, and to do other than had been suggested was, 
 to my mind, the same as voluntarily going aboard 
 one of the British ships as prisoners. 
 
 " It will be a big thing," I said half to myself, 
 " if we show up at home with a prisoner, an' as soon 
 as the fog lifts I'm allowin' we had better make an 
 attempt." 
 
 " We are making it now, lad," Abel said with an- 
 other grin; but this time it did not irritate me, and 
 Abraham laughed aloud in glee because I had not 
 understood that we were already on the voyage be- 
 fore my opinion was asked. " I'm headin' her by 
 guesswork along the line of the island, an' that's 
 as nigh as any man could come to it in this smother, 
 however good a navigator he might be. It's a case 
 of trustin' to luck, with the only chance agin us 
 that we may make more to the eastward than is 
 needed." 
 
 A grand scheme it was, this of Abel Grant's, and 
 I pictured to myself the credit which we would gain, 
 if, after having been captured by the frigate, we 
 showed our heels, and in addition brought away the 
 man who had been set as guard over us. 
 
 Well, we had our time of crowing then, even 
 though the fact had not been accomplished, and so 
 enjoyed ourselves with such counting of our chick- 
 ens before they were hatched, that all thought of 
 any immediate danger from the Britishers faded 
 from my mind. 
 
 Abel Grant counted it as positive that none of the 
 
1 10 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 enemy's ships would be moving while the fog was 
 so dense ; therefore our chances of coming upon one 
 while it was hove to, or at anchor, was rriighty 
 slim, and such a mishap it should be possible for us 
 to avoid. 
 
 If the wind held favorable the cruise would not 
 be an exceeding long one, and, so far as I could 
 make out, the greatest risk we ran was in failing to 
 arrive in time to be of service, for surely after such 
 a force had assembled in the lower bay there could 
 be no question but that the Britishers intended to 
 give speedy battle. 
 
 We discussed the situation in all its bearings 
 as the Swiftsure plowed her way through the fog, 
 and over a sea that, save for the long swell, was 
 comparatively smooth, and then it occurred to Abra- 
 ham that it was high time we had breakfast. 
 
 " You an' I will have to be cooks, Eph, now that 
 Sam's gone, for the admiral can't be spared from 
 the helm, so let's get about the job." 
 
 We went below to overhaul the stores once more, 
 and there, as a matter of course, saw our prisoner, 
 who must have suffered not a little because of the 
 inability to change his position ever so little, owing 
 to the ropes with which he was completely swad- 
 dled. 
 
 " I could not help hearin' what you said, lads, but 
 don't fancy any harm's done because I played the 
 part of listener. You'll do the trick all right, I'm 
 thinkin', an' although it ain't in any ways pleasant 
 for me, I can't help lookin' at it as a neat turn. Do 
 you count on my stayin' here trussed up like a 
 chicken ready for the roastin', all the while ? " 
 
 I had not before thought of that part of the plan. 
 We might be a full week in making the voyage, and 
 
THE PRISONER. 1 1 1 
 
 surely the lobster-back, unless he turned rusty, 
 would be suffering more than was needed. 
 
 " I am wonderin' whether my comrades would 
 be willin' to allow you the freedom of the ship, 
 if you take a solemn oath not to try to get away," 
 I said as much for the marine's benefit as for Abe's, 
 for I wanted to see how he took the suggestion. 
 
 " Well, I'm countin' myself a prisoner of war, so 
 you can't make anythin' more out of me, an' as such, 
 fair treatment is my due. Now since there's no 
 way for me to better my position, why shouldn't I 
 do as many a better a man has before me, and sur- 
 render, lock, stock an' barrel." 
 
 " What do you say, Abe ? " I asked of my com- 
 rade, who was apparently still deeply intent on over- 
 hauling the stores. 
 
 " We surely can't keep him trussed up as he is all 
 the while we are runnin' 'round Long Island, an' 
 with his word for it, seein' that we are three to 
 one in case he tries to make trouble, I believe 
 in actin' half-way decent. Ask Abel what he 
 thinks about it ? " 
 
 " I have been hearin' all that tongue-waggin'," 
 the man at the helm cried in a jovial tone, " an' 
 reckon you can do no better than cast the lobster- 
 back loose, after he has given his solemn word to 
 behave himself 'cordin' to our ideas." 
 
 " I solemnly swear to raise no hand in my own 
 behalf in case you are overhauled by the British 
 forces, and to make no attempt whatsoever at es- 
 caping until after you shall have delivered me into 
 the hands of your people," the man said gravely, and 
 in a tone which convinced me he firmly intended to 
 keep his word; but Abe, not being quite satisfied 
 with the form of the parole, added : 
 
112 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " To boil it down, you mean that you'll swear to 
 stick by us as if you was a comrade until we strike 
 New York, an' have parted at headquarters, or 
 wheresoever we may be ordered to leave you ? " 
 
 " I swear it," the man replied, whereupon I be- 
 gan loosening his bonds, and that the poor fellow 
 had suffered not a little by being thus held in one 
 position so long, could be seen when it became abso- 
 lutely necessary for him to chafe his limbs vigor- 
 ously before it was possible to use them. 
 
 Having thus formerly surrendered himself as a 
 prisoner of war, the lobster-back proved to be a 
 very companionable fellow, and before he had been 
 at liberty an hour I found myself wondering how so 
 decent, so cheery, and so seemingly friendly a man 
 could have had it in his heart to take part in depriv- 
 ing the American colonists of their rights or their 
 lives. 
 
 It was while Abe and I were making ready a 
 sumptuous meal, I slicing the salt pork while Abra- 
 ham was frying ship's biscuit, that I put into words 
 for the Britisher's benefit, the thoughts which had 
 been in my mind, and it was after this fashion that 
 he made answer : 
 
 " I did not enlist to deprive any man of his rights, 
 an', once enlisted, it did not come within my line of 
 duty to question whether the king was actin' justly 
 or unjustly. The English Government has said 
 that you colonists must do certain things, an' you've 
 allowed that you won't; it's what you might call a 
 family quarrel, an' we who are servin' his majesty 
 haven't any personal feelin' in the. matter, more 
 than a constable might have who was called in by a 
 father to check a row between children." 
 
 " Are you meaning to say that the king stands 
 
THE PRISONER. II3 
 
 to us of the colonies like a father ? " Abraham 
 asked with no little heat, and the Britisher replied 
 with a laugh: 
 
 " I don't see how else you can put it. It wasn't 
 so long ago when all hands of you were English, 
 an' lookin' to England for whatsoever was needed. 
 Now a difference of opinion has come up. Of 
 course you claim to be in the right, an' I allow the 
 king is claimin' the same thing ; however, you won't 
 give him credit for anythin' except tryin' to grind 
 you down. So far as the outcome of this 'ere 
 trouble is concerned, I don't care a farthin' either 
 way; but I'm puttin' it to you, lads, that if you'd 
 taken the king's shillin' an' sworn to serve him, 
 whether you wouldn't do so accordin' to the best 
 of your abilities ? We of the rank and file are doin' 
 just the same as you lads would, in case there was 
 a riot in New York, let us say, an' the officers of 
 your army told you to turn to an' help put down the 
 rioters. Wouldn't you do it? Of course you 
 would, unless you were blasted duffers. You see, 
 it is altogether owing to which side you're on, that 
 puts a different color to the business. Just now 
 I'm a prisoner of war, an' can't for the life of me 
 see why we shouldn't be just as chummy, until 
 my parole has come to an end, as if there'd never 
 been any trouble betwixt the king and the colo- 
 nists." 
 
 " You seem to be a pretty decent sort of a fel- 
 low," came the voice of the " admiral," " an' I'm 
 allowin' you've put the thing pretty near right, 
 though of course we are lookin' on you as an enemy. 
 Come out here an' let's you an' I have a blow-off 
 over this 'ere question, to see if I can persuade you 
 to turn 'round an' be honest once more." 
 
1 14 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 The man went into the cockpit laughing, and I 
 heard him say when he got there: 
 
 " An' what chance would me and my mates have 
 in tryin' to talk you into turnin' against them ^s 
 you have sworn to obey ? " 
 
 "Mighty little, an' that's a fact," Abel Grant 
 replied. 
 
 " Then dofii't think I'm pig-headed if you can't 
 twist me around your finger." 
 
 I looked out into the cockpit and saw the Brit- 
 isher filling Abel's pipe for him, the two behaving 
 toward each other as if they had long been cronies, 
 and, calling Abraham's attention to the scene, I 
 said, regretting that it might not be: 
 
 " If we could come at all the lobster-backs whom 
 the king has sent over here, in the same manner we 
 have our prisoner, there wouldn't be much of a 
 war, Fm thinkin'." 
 
 " Ay, in that you are right, Eph, for if we came 
 at 'em in the same manner they'd all have been our 
 prisoners, consequently, there wouldn't be anybody 
 left to fight against us. It strikes me, however, 
 that just now instead of talking politics, you an' I 
 had better get this grub cooked, for if Abel and 
 the lobster-back are as hungry as I am, they'll soon 
 be after us with a sharp stick for sogering." 
 
 I wish I might be able to go into all the details 
 of that voyage which lasted throughout five full 
 days, setting down accurately all we said and did 
 while hob-nobbing with the lobster-back, for that 
 was really what we did do. The fellow showed 
 himself to be so companionable, and with such a 
 fund of good nature, that however brutal we may 
 have wanted to treat him, it would have been im- 
 possible. 
 
THE PRISONER. I15 
 
 He was more like a friend than an enemy, and 
 seemingly as eager for the success of our venture 
 as if his whole heart was bound up in the Cause. 
 
 " Why should I feel otherwise," he said one day, 
 when I taxed him with disloyalty to the king in 
 thus being eager for our success. " Accordin' to 
 the way I look at it, being a prisoner of war on 
 parole, I'm neither fish, flesh nor fowl, an' being 
 deprived by my oath of doin' that which is my duty, 
 why isn't it natural I'd like to see three plucky 
 fellows, who have done an amazin' good turn, as 
 I look at it, succeed in their venture ? " 
 
 " But if we failed you would regain your lib- 
 erty," Abel suggested, and the Britisher replied with 
 a laugh: 
 
 " Perhaps I am not so eager at goin' back to 
 duty on board ship when I am comfortably fixed 
 here, an' with jolly companions." 
 
 And indeed the lobster-back gave every evidence 
 of having spoken the truth, for if ever a man en- 
 joyed himself he was that one, taking his trick at 
 the wheel, or, when not engaged in some odd job 
 about the sloop, lying at full length on the cockpit 
 floor, smoking, or getting an extra " forty winks " 
 in the cuddy. \ 
 
 " By the time this 'ere craft makes Bowlin' 
 Green in New York, I allow he'll be so near a 
 Yankee as to go runnin' 'round Long Island huntin' 
 for a piece of land that can be bought cheap, so's to 
 go to farmin'," Abel Grant said laughingly, and 
 perhaps at this point I should say that the Britisher 
 had given his name as " Seth Hartley." 
 
 " But in case of beih' overhauled before we get 
 there, perhaps I have come so near makin' Tories 
 out of you that all hands will be throwin' up their 
 
Il6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 hats shoutin' for the king," the prisoner replied, 
 and there was hardly an hour in the day when he 
 and Abel Grant did not exchange some such re- 
 marks as these. 
 
 During the first eight and forty hours after taking 
 leave of the frigate without going through any 
 very formal ceremony, the fog enveloped every- 
 thing so completely that we never had a glimpse of 
 the land, although often hearing the roar of the 
 breakers on the shore, nor, as a matter of course, 
 did we sight a vessel. 
 
 It was on the morning of the third day out that 
 we got a shock which was much like receiving a 
 bucket full of cold water suddenly on one's bare 
 flesh, for then, as the fog thinned, not more than 
 half a mile to the eastward was an armed vessel 
 flying British colors, and Seth Hartley set her down 
 as a transport lately come from Boston. The wind 
 was light; the Swiftsure was making hardly more 
 than two miles an hour, and if so be the officers of 
 the stranger desired to overhaul us, it would only 
 have been necessary to send out a boat with no more 
 than two pairs of oars, when we would have been at 
 their mercy. 
 
 " I'm thinkin' she'll want to know who you are," 
 the prisoner said thoughtfully, as if surveying the 
 craft, and I, watching him intently, could not see 
 any show of joy in his face at the idea that his 
 friends might soon be our captors. 
 
 " If so be she's come from Boston, I'm allowin' 
 we can tell a decently good yarn," Abel Grant said 
 as if in reply; but the expression of anxiety on 
 his face told that he was far from being as confident 
 as his words would imply. 
 
 "If we claim to be fishermen, they might insist 
 
THE PRISONER. I17 
 
 on taking us aboard to act as pilots," Abraham sug- 
 gested, and our prisoner added: 
 
 " I'm thinkin' if you get into trouble through 
 her, that's about the way the trick will be done, 
 unless she's one of the fleet which has put out in 
 search for you, which I much misdoubt." 
 
 Then we fell silent, every man jack of us, in- 
 cluding Seth Hartley, watching intently the ship 
 which appeared to be hardly moving through the 
 water, and it soon became apparent to all that un- 
 less the wind strengthened speedily, we would be 
 carried by the current well within hail of the Brit- 
 isher. 
 
 " I'm thinkin' we shall have to do a bit of tongue- 
 waggin' in this 'ere case whether he wants a pilot 
 or not," Abel Grant said apprehensively, and then 
 added quickly to the prisoner, who had discarded 
 his military coat and stock because of the 
 heat, " Perhaps you had better get into the cuddy, 
 Seth, an' lay low, for if any aboard that ship should 
 happen to get a bit of your cockney speech, they'd 
 allow you was a deserter, an' you couldn't per- 
 suade 'em we'd picked you out of the king's fleet 
 as a prisoner." 
 
 " I'm thinkin' you wouldn't spend overly much 
 time tryin' to do that," the Britisher said with a 
 laugh, and then went obediently below. 
 
 Half an hour later we were so near the ship as to 
 hear distinctly the. hail which came from her, and 
 when Abel replied to it with his lazy drawl, the 
 question was asked: 
 
 " Where do you hail from ? " 
 
 " Montauk Point." 
 
 " Do you know the water about Sandy Hook ? " 
 
 " Nothing more than that there's plenty of it. 
 
Il8 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 We wouldn't be up the coast so far if it hadn't been 
 for losin' our way in the fog." 
 
 " Have you got any fresh fish aboard ? " 
 
 " One of the king's vessels took from us all the 
 clams we had for bait, and we was makin' our way 
 back to port when we got mixed in with this 
 smother." 
 
 I was literally trembling with apprehension lest the 
 next words should be an order for us to come along- 
 side and show ourselves, therefore was the disap- 
 pointment a happy one when he who had hailed us 
 turned squarely about and resumed his pacing of 
 the quarter deck, as if thinking us not of suffi- 
 cient consequence to spend any more time with. 
 
 We were too near the British vessel to give words 
 to the joy which was ours at escaping thus easily, 
 and during the half hour we were forced to remain 
 within hail no conversation was indulged in, lest 
 we should let slip inadvertently some word which 
 might excite the curiosity of the enemy. 
 
 Before nightfall we rounded Montauk Point; 
 every trace of the fog had disappeared, and we had 
 the wind abeam, with plenty of it for a run up the 
 sound, which, as can well be imagined, was much 
 to our liking. 
 
 The marine had come out of the cabin long since, 
 and we four laughed and chatted gleefully, even the 
 prisoner seeming to be overjoyed because now was 
 the time when it seemed positive we should make 
 New York without hindrance unless, peradventure, 
 the British fleet had anchored directly off the city. 
 
 The cruise was not to be ended so soon, however, 
 although we came to learn that all danger, save 
 it might be from Tories, had been passed. The 
 wind flattened down into a dead calm before midr 
 
THE PRISONER. I19 
 
 night, and it was not until the afternoon of the 
 fifth day that we came within sight of that town we 
 so ardently desired to reach. 
 
 " We will be off Bowlin' Green within two hours 
 after sunset," Abel Grant announced confidently, 
 and then, turning to our prisoner, he asked abruptly, 
 " Well, Seth, what do you allow ? That you'll go 
 into prison ? " 
 
 " Well, I shouldn't do it from choice ; but do you 
 see any other road out of it, seein's how I've been 
 lawfully taken a prize ? " 
 
 " There's only this way that I can figure, an' I've 
 done a heap of thinkin' on the matter since you 
 showed yourself to be a right decent kind of a man 
 — the first decent one I have ever heard tell of who 
 wore a red coat." 
 
 " It's what the man's got inside of him, not that 
 which he has on his back, that makes or mars him," 
 our prisoner said seriously ; " but what is it you 
 have figured out concernin' me ? " 
 
 " Well, I don't know how it may strike you ; but 
 I am wantin' that you believe I am doin' it in the 
 way of bein' friendly," Abel Grant said, speaking 
 slowly, and now I understood that that which was 
 to follow would be of considerable importance. " If 
 so be you didn't give back your parole, you'd kind'er 
 feel it your duty to hang to the oath you took, eh ? " 
 
 " My parole was only to last until you delivered 
 me to the officers of the American Army ? " 
 
 " Ay, that's as we understand it. Now, sup- 
 posin' we didn't deliver you? Wouldn't the oath 
 you took hold ? " 
 
 Seth looked puzzled, and even I who had an 
 inkling of what our " admiral " was driving at, 
 failed to understand, seeing which he continued : 
 
120 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " This 'ere gang that you've fallen in with, 
 countin' another that we've spoken of, meanin' 
 Sam, are a full regiment an' a fleet, with this 'ere 
 sloop as the only ship. Now I ain't tryin' to bring 
 you 'round to our way of thinkin' ; but I've got an 
 idee from words you've let drop now an' then, that 
 you ain't overly keen on fightin' us. If that should 
 be the case, I'm wonderin' why you couldn't stay 
 right here on the sloop with me, for I ain't enlisted 
 to do shore duty, an' then we'd always have a 
 prisoner to fall back on when we got to feelin' sav- 
 age agin anythin', an' wanted to kick somebody." 
 
 " Meanin' that you'd have me stay here will- 
 ingly?" 
 
 " Nothin' of the kind. I'm just askin' how it 
 would strike you if we d.idn't put an end to your 
 parole, bindin' you to hold your tongue as tO' 
 what you might have seen and heard while in our 
 company, if it so be your friends should re-capture 
 you ? You're not to be asked to fight for the col- 
 onies against George III ; but to kind'er loaf 'round 
 as a general deck-hand, farin' as we fare, an' bein' 
 the same decent kind of a fellow that we've known 
 these five days." 
 
 Abraham and I had come to know Seth Hartley 
 so well that neither of us felt the slightest hesita- 
 tion in endorsing this proposition of Abel Grant's, 
 although I had many misgivings as to what Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom might say, if he knew that we 
 had as comrade aboard the sloop a British marine 
 whom we had captured. 
 
 However, this last part of it did not trouble me 
 very deeply; I believed we would be doing nothing 
 wrong against the Cause if we should keep him with 
 us as a comrade, and surely the king's forces in 
 
THE PRISONER. 121 
 
 America would be lessened by one man, which might 
 not be any great loss to his majesty, and yet every 
 arm in the struggle such as was seemingly before us 
 of the colonies, counted. 
 
 Perhaps if Seth Hartley had been eager to accept 
 the offer made, and had said without hesitation that 
 he would be glad to do as we proposed, I might at 
 a future time have had doubts regarding his loyalty 
 to us; but as it was he hung in the wind, apparently 
 considering the matter from every point, and finally 
 said: 
 
 " I'll give you my answer before we come to an- 
 chor; but whether I take up with the offer or not, 
 I want you to understand, that I'm thankin' you for 
 it. It's an honor you've done me, an' I'm proud to 
 know you believe I'd deal honestly by all hands, 
 whatever turned up. Of course, seein' I'm a pris- 
 oner, the bargain is all in my favor, but I'm not con- 
 siderin' that for a minute." 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 
 
 While I was ready, and even eager, to welcome 
 the Britisher as a comrade, with never a question 
 that he would make any attempt to play us false, 
 I would have been the veriest simple if I failed to 
 understand in what an odd light the Minute Boys 
 of Long Island would thus be placed. 
 
 We would, by those who were informed of the 
 facts, be credited with having taken into the ranks 
 one of the enemy who still held himself bound to the 
 king, because of having voluntarily enlisted, and of 
 enrolling a member who could not fight with us in 
 event of our being called on to do soldiers' duty. 
 It is true Abel Grant had proposed only that the 
 Britisher should aid in sailing the sloop ; but at the 
 same time he would be counted as a comrade, and 
 we would be exceedingly glad to welcome him as 
 such. 
 
 Again, and this came into my mind while Seth 
 Hartley sat amidships evidently trying to settle the 
 matter in some way which would not do violence to 
 his conscience, by enlisting him as had been sug- 
 gested, we would, perhaps, lose the triumph and 
 honor which might have been ours had we presented 
 ourselves with a prisoner to be turned over to the 
 military authorities, and this was no shght loss, 
 as I viewed the matter. 
 
 122 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 1 23 
 
 However, both Abraham Decker and I had cheer- 
 fully agreed to the proposition made by our " ad- 
 miral," and it was too late now to protest, even 
 though we might be so inclined. 
 
 The Britisher remained silent and motionless 
 while we eagerly discussed among ourselves the pos- 
 sible movements of the king's fleet, for a full hour, 
 and then he raised his head suddenly, in a manner 
 which told that he had arrived at some decision. 
 
 " Well, what is it ? " I asked laughingly, for my 
 heart was exceeding light now that we were come 
 out of our dangerous venture in such good shape. 
 
 " I have agreed with myself that I will have done 
 no real wrong if I admit that the parole shall hold 
 good until such time as pleases you. The greatest 
 fear that has been in my mind is as to whether the 
 day may not come when, if you meet with disaster, 
 I shall be credited with havin' brought it about. 
 And so it is that I am askin' you to say solemnly 
 if it is certain you can trust me? If you do, then 
 I'm also puttin' it as a favor that you won't talk 
 military secrets before me ; not that there's any fear 
 on my part of bein' tempted to betray you, but so 
 you may feel more sure I can't do you a wrong." 
 
 " That part of it is all right, matey," Abel Grant 
 replied quickly, as if he was the only member of the 
 party who had the right to be considered. " We 
 haven't lived with you these five days without get- 
 tin' a mighty good idee of the stuff you're made of. 
 I'm allowin' that what I say is in the minds of the 
 military end of this 'ere force ? " and he looked at 
 me as if waiting for an answer. 
 
 " I am well content," was my reply, and Abra- 
 ham nodded his head vigorously to show that he 
 was of the same mind. 
 
124 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " All right," and Abel Grant spoke as if some 
 great mental burden had suddenly been rolled away. 
 " Now that is settled, an' seein's how we'll soon be 
 in New York, if we ain't sich simples as to run the 
 sloop aground, the question comes as to what's to 
 be done when we do get there ? " 
 
 " We'll go to headquarters without delay, as a 
 matter of course," I said promptly, " and, our re- 
 port having been made to General Putnam, we 
 must set off on foot to find Sam, for it stands to 
 reason that we can't use the sloop in our search 
 while the king's ships are so thick in the lower 
 bay." 
 
 " It wasn't that which I had in mind," he said 
 with a laugh. " I was askin' what we'd do 'bout 
 reportin' our prisoner ? " 
 
 " As to that you must tell the whole truth," Seth 
 said emphatically. " Put it to your general as to 
 whether you'll be warranted in keepin' me, an' if he 
 don't believe it safe, I'll be content to take my turn 
 of prison duty." 
 
 " It don't strike me there's any need of goin' 
 quite so far as that," Abel said doubtfully, and the 
 Britisher replied, speaking more sharply than I had 
 ever before known him to do : 
 
 " It's the only thing to be done, else I'll insist on 
 your deliverin' me over to the officers of your army. 
 We'll have the whole business fair an' above-board, 
 or drop it." 
 
 This pleased me not a little, for it seemed the 
 only true way to arrange matters. Also, we would 
 still get the benefit of having captured one of the 
 enemy while being ourselves prisoners, and I was 
 exceedingly eager the Minute Boys should have the 
 credit of such a feat. 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 125 
 
 It was decided, however, that Seth should re- 
 main aboard the sloop while Abraham and I went 
 to headquarters to make a report, for the reason 
 that his uniform would not only attract attention; 
 but might bring about trouble from some of the 
 idle hot-heads on the streets. 
 
 As we neared the town, and our course of action 
 was mapped out with so much discussion that every 
 detail had been arranged, I literally quivered with 
 excitement, for the time was near at hand when 
 we would know if our services, slight though they 
 had been, were such as might gain us the approba- 
 tion of the commander. 
 
 It seemed to me particularly fortunate that night 
 had come, for I counted on being able to get a 
 meeting with General Putnam more readily than 
 would be possible in the day-time, and, besides, I 
 was not minded to hold converse with any one after 
 having seen him, for it was quite within the range 
 of chances that while walking across Bowling 
 Green some of our acquaintances might be met. 
 
 Therefore it seemed to me as if everything 
 worked in our favor, and when, finally, the Swift- 
 sure was tied up at the Market Street bulkhead, I 
 believed matters were going our way, though little 
 did I dream how decidedly such might be the case. 
 
 " Go ashore as quickly as may be," Abel Grant 
 said in a tone of command. " Seth an' I'll look 
 after the sloop. Be sure to finish all your business 
 with the commander ; but at the same time get back 
 here as soon as is seemly, for both the Britisher 
 and I'll feel more comfortable in mind when 
 we know if it is allowed that he shall stay with 
 us." 
 
 Abraham had not spoken since we came off the 
 
126 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 city, and when he followed me up the bulkhead and 
 across Bowling Green in the direction of General 
 Putnam's quarters, I asked the reason for his 
 silence. 
 
 " To tell the truth, Ephra^m, I am so kind of 
 stirred up that speech seems impossible. I verily 
 believe my heart is nigh to my mouth, so choked 
 am I with fear lest after what seems to us such 
 a good piece of work, General Putnam will put 
 it down as a failure. Besides, I have come to think 
 more about Sam than at any time since we cut 
 loose from the frigate, and wonderin' if he hasn't 
 already been taken prisoner." 
 
 He had no more than ceased speaking when 
 from out the gloom came two figures, and we were 
 within an ace of running afoul of them, so unex- 
 pectedly had they appeared. 
 
 I contrived to sheer off; but in so doing brushed 
 with no little roughness past the smaller of the 
 two, when I was startled to the verge of terror by 
 hearing a voice cry : 
 
 " It's Ephraim Lyttle ! How do you happen to 
 be here, lad?" 
 
 Verily it seemed to me I had heard a ghost speak, 
 for it was Sam's voice, and I felt confident as of 
 my existence that he was either on Coney Island 
 awaiting our appearance, or a prisoner on board 
 one of the British vessels. 
 
 It was Abraham who aroused me from my stupor 
 of bewilderment, which was nigh unto fear, by 
 crying in a joyful tone: 
 
 " Sam Garratt ! An' we believed the red coats 
 had got hold of you ! " 
 
 " The same has been said regardin' you," the 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 12^ 
 
 dear lad replied. " Luther Stedman spread the re- 
 port that you of the sloop were captured." 
 
 By this time I was sufficiently master of myself 
 to realize that fortune had been exceedingly kind 
 to us, although my brain whirled in the effort to 
 make out why the lad had remained in New York 
 instead of coming to meet us as he proposed. How- 
 ever, I seized him by the hand to make certain 
 he was the real flesh and blood Sam, instead of 
 an apparition, pouring out a volley of questions 
 which would have required a full hour in the an- 
 swering, and giving no heed to the fact that he 
 was demanding a like amount of explanation from 
 me. 
 
 " We were captured," Abraham cried gleefully. 
 " An' what is better, we made our escape, taking 
 with us a lobster-back who had been sent on board 
 the sloop as guard; but there isn't time to tell the 
 story now, for we must first make report to Gen- 
 eral Putnam, an' then you shall come aboard, Sam, 
 my boy, where you belong, to hear a full account 
 of the wonderful adventures of the Minute Boys 
 and their admiral." 
 
 Now it was I came to understand that none other 
 than Lieutenant Winterbottom was Sam's com- 
 panion, and again had fortune favored us, for he 
 above all others would be able to gain, if so be 
 any man could, a speedy interview with the com- 
 mander. 
 
 " We had given up all hope of seeing you lads 
 again, at least, until the war was come to an end," 
 he said cheerily, taking me by the arm, " and I 
 am as eager as Sam to hear the story, which I 
 hope to do after you have seen General Putnam. 
 
128 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 You lads have done good work, better perhaps than 
 could have been performed by men, and the fact 
 that you lost no time in sending the report has 
 pleased the general exceedingly." 
 
 " Is that true, or are you simply tryin' to smooth 
 down our vanity ? " I asked, waiting in suspense 
 for the answer. 
 
 " General Putnam himself said, after your friend 
 Sam made his report, that you had gained more 
 information' in a shorter time than he believed 
 could have been possible." 
 
 Now indeed was I treading on air. We had 
 returned in safety after it seemed as if our race 
 was already run, and what was yet better, had 
 won the approbation of the soldier who had trusted 
 in us. 
 
 Ten minutes later, thanks to the efforts of Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom, we were standing in the pres- 
 ence of General Putnam, and I was telling the story 
 of our adventures with no little of detail, for it 
 seemed to me as if the more he learned regarding 
 that which had been done, the more readily would 
 he fall in with our plan of adopting Seth Hartley, 
 for by this time I had begun to doubt whether he 
 might believe it wise. 
 
 " And your prisoner ; where is he ? " the general 
 asked when I had come to- an end of the tale. 
 
 " On board the sloop, sir, an' now we would 
 keep him, if it so be we may." 
 
 " How is that ? How is that ? Hob-nobbing 
 with the enemy before you have really begun to 
 show your mettle ? " and I fancied the general 
 spoke sternly. 
 
 " He's a very decent fellow, sir, much more so 
 than I would have believed any lobster-back could 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE 129 
 
 be. His parole was given when we first escaped, 
 an' I believe he'll hold to it. He doesn't claim 
 to be willin' to do aught against the king; but at 
 the same time swears to do nothin' for him, an' 
 Abel Grant proposes that we take him on to help 
 work the sloop." 
 
 Then I went on to explain yet more in detail all 
 that we four had said while the matter was under 
 discussion, to the end that Seth Hartley's position 
 might be the better understood, and, having come 
 to an end, was more than surprised to hear the 
 commander say in a cheery tone: 
 
 " You may work it out in your own way, lad. 
 If so be you and your ' admiral ' have the faith in 
 the promises of the prisoner, keep him with you, re- 
 membering, however, that at the first sign of his 
 playing false you are to turn him over to the 
 nearest military force. We are on the eve of a 
 battle, and before hostilities begin I am expecting 
 you Minute Boys will do yet further service for the 
 cause. Go your way for to-night, and in the morn- 
 ing the lieutenant shall tell you what duty I would 
 have you engage in." 
 
 It seemed to me this was sufficient intimation 
 that the interview was at an end, and, making my 
 best bow, but without venturing a word in reply, 
 I backed out of the room, Abraham following, and 
 Lieutenant Winterbottom saying in a whisper when 
 we were just outside the door : 
 
 " Since I have already heard the story of your 
 adventures there is no reason why I should go 
 with you to the sloop, and the general has busi- 
 ness for me here. I will see you in the morning." 
 
 Then we three hurried away in the direction of 
 Market Street, so eager to make report to the 
 
130 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " admiral " that we did not venture to indulge in 
 conversation on the way; but, having arrived near 
 the sloop, Abraham said gleefully: 
 
 " Let's send Sam ahead in order to hear what 
 Abel Grant will say at first sight of him." 
 
 And this we did, Abe and I following close be- 
 hind, but standing in the cockpit when Sam en- 
 tered the cuddy^ and immediately was heard a cry 
 of real terror from our " admiral," who must have 
 thought much as I did, that it was an apparition 
 rather than a flesh and blood Minute Boy. 
 
 During two or three minutes the uproar was so 
 great that no one could hear what the other was 
 saying, and then we settled down that Sam might 
 tell how he contrived to make his way across Long 
 Island. 
 
 The story was a short one, and with but little 
 of event. With no more in the way of food than 
 the ship's biscuit he took from the sloop, the lad 
 traveled, without resting, all that night and during 
 the next day, meeting but two who would have put 
 any impediment in his way, and those he avoided 
 by taking to his heels. Instead of going boldly 
 through the villages he made detours, after day had 
 come, and traversed the highways only when it be- 
 came absolutely necessary. 
 
 " Yes, it was a hard pull," he said in reply to 
 a remark of Abel Grant's. " More than once did 
 I think my race was run, and had I stopped for a 
 single moment to rest it would indeed have been 
 over for many hours. Comin' to the ferry I took 
 the first boat at hand, regardless of ownership, and 
 pulled over here, bein' so nearly done up when I 
 stepped ashore near the Bowlin' Green Battery that 
 my feet felt heavy as lead, an' I dragged them 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE 13I 
 
 one after the other. The fact that the informa- 
 tion I brought might be of great importance to the 
 Cause, was the only thing which kept me up, and 
 no sooner was my report made to the general than 
 I went down all in a heap. Lieutenant Winter- 
 bottom tells me it was twelve hours before I could 
 be aroused from the slumber which enchained me." 
 
 Having thus told his story, Sam proceeded to 
 give us information of what the enemy had done 
 since our departure from the town, and when he 
 was come to the end we understood full well why 
 General Putnam had said that a battle was near 
 at hand. 
 
 General Howe had landed a greater portion of 
 his troops on Staten Island, after the fleet came 
 up and anchored off Vanderventer's Point. The 
 Britishers had gone into camp on the hills, and the 
 general's headquarters was at the Rose and Crown 
 Tavern near New Dorp. 
 
 The Tories on the island had organized what 
 they called a troop of Loyalists, under Governor 
 Tryon, and were being drilled day by day. It was 
 said nigh upon nine thousand men had gone into 
 camp from General Howe's command, and then 
 arrived Admiral Howe with more British regulars 
 and a large body of Hessians. They also had dis- 
 embarked on Staten Island, and now, so it was 
 said, there were thirty thousand soldiers in con- 
 dition to fall upon General Washington's army 
 which did not number above twenty-seven thou- 
 sand, at least seven thousand of which were in the 
 hospital unfit for duty. 
 
 In addition to this disheartening news, Sam told 
 us that two days before the ships of war Rose 
 and Phoenix, their decks piled high with bags of 
 
132 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 sand as protection, sailed up the bay past New 
 York into the Hudson river, going as far as 
 Haverstraw, which move, so the knowing ones de- 
 clared, was for the purpose of opening a communi- 
 cation with the British Carleton, who was coming 
 from Canada with no small army, and also to 
 provide with weapons the Tories of Westchester. 
 
 Our fleet had not been idle while the Britishers 
 were thus making preparations for an attack. 
 Four condemned vessels were sunk in the channel 
 between Governor's Island and the Bowling Green 
 Battery, while obstructions were so placed as to 
 prevent an entrance to the East river. Had it not 
 been that our sloop was of such light draft, we 
 would undoubtedly in the dark have found our- 
 selves hung up upon some of these contrivances for 
 shutting out the Britishers. 
 
 Seth also told us that the belief of the military 
 authorities was that the first move made by the 
 red-coats from their present encampment, would 
 be on Long Island, and to that end the fort at Red 
 Hook had been greatly strengthened and gar- 
 risoned with as many men as could find lodgment 
 within it. 
 
 The redoubt on Governor's Island had been en- 
 larged, and batteries were building along the East 
 river as far as Harlem. 
 
 " Lieutenant Winterbottom says there will be 
 a battle soon, an' on Long Island," Sam went on. 
 " I'm thinkin' if any work is given us, it will be 
 nearabout our homes; at all events on the island. 
 You must know that for the past four days a large 
 force has been workin' on the redoubt that is to be 
 called Fort Putnam, situated upon the hill back of 
 your house, Eph, and there five guns are to be 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 1 33 
 
 mounted. Leadin' from it, down the hill to the 
 old spring which father walled up last year, is be- 
 in' dug an intrenchment, and on the other side 
 are to be breastworks in zigzag shape across the 
 Flatbush Road. 
 
 " Half way between there and the mill-pond an- 
 other redoubt is buildin', which I have heard was 
 to be called Fort Green, an' near the road south of 
 the Wallabout is another redoubt, where will be 
 three or four guns. Three guns are to be mounted 
 on Cobble Hill, with an intrenchment runnin' in 
 circles like unto a corkscrew from the base of the 
 hill to the top." 
 
 Sam's information was not well calculated to 
 cheer. Because so much in the way of fortifying 
 Long Island was being done, none of us questioned 
 but that the battle, which the general had said was 
 near at hand, would be fought there. Our own 
 people might find themselves between the two 
 armies, and as we realized this a gloom settled 
 upon us, causing all to fall silent until Sam, who 
 had had more time in which to become familiar 
 with the danger, set about making the acquaintance 
 of our prisoner, for, having heard the story of our 
 adventures as told to General Putnam, he had no 
 further need to ask questions concerning him. 
 
 Then Abel Grant aroused himself from the fit 
 of despondency to remember that he was hungry, 
 and straightway we insisted that Master Sam, who 
 had been idling his time away and living on the 
 fat of the land for the past four days, should re- 
 sume his duties as cook, therefore soon the little 
 cuddy of the Swiftsure was stiflingly hot and filled 
 with the smoke of frying pork and fish, which last 
 Abel Grant had bought from a boy who passed 
 
134 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 nearby the sloop while we were at headquarters. 
 
 I fancied Seth Hartley had grown more jolly 
 after learning that General Putnam was content for 
 him to remain in our company, and he told us 
 many stories while we were waiting for the long 
 delayed meal, chiefly of what the Britishers had 
 done nearabout Boston, for he was of the force 
 which General Howe brought with him from that 
 city. 
 
 It was well to midnight before any of us were 
 ready to turn in, and then so soundly did we sleep 
 that never one of us opened his eyes until Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom leaped from the bulkhead 
 down on to the deck of the sloop, causing her to 
 heel over as if she had been struck by some passing 
 craft. 
 
 " A pretty company of Minute Boys this is, to 
 be asleep when the sun is a couple of hours high, 
 and honest men have nearly finished a day's 
 work ! " the lieutenant cried cheerily, as he pushed 
 open the- hatch to look down upon us. 
 
 It can well be fancied that we scrambled out in 
 a hurry, giving very little attention to our toilets 
 that morning, so eager were all hands to hear what 
 work was to be performed; nor did the lieutenant 
 keep us long in suspense. 
 
 " If so be you still count yourselves as Minute 
 Boys ready to obey the orders of the military com- 
 manders, your sloop is to be sailed into Wallabout 
 bay, and there left at anchor as a headquarters for 
 the company. The admiral and the prisoner will 
 remain on board, ready to use her as a despatch 
 boat, if occasion requires. The Minute Boys them- 
 selves are to make their way, by whatsoever course 
 is most expedient, to some point on the shore over- 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 135 
 
 looking Staten Island, where strict watch is to be 
 kept of the British encampment and the fleet. One 
 of the party is to report each evening, making his 
 way from the place selected for observation to 
 where the sloop is anchored, and going across to 
 the town in her. Do you understand the orders, 
 lads, or shall I try to make them more plain ? " the 
 lieutenant asked when he was come to an end. 
 
 " We are simply to spy upon the enemy, as I 
 understand it, sir, carryin' word each night to 
 New York of what has been done durin' the 
 day." 
 
 " Ay, that is it exactly, except that in case of any 
 sudden movement on the part of the British you 
 will despatch a messenger post haste with the in- 
 formation, the others waiting as long as is pru- 
 dent so to do, taking due heed to your own safety 
 in case the enemy proceed to make a landing on 
 the Long Island shore." 
 
 " We will get under way at once, sir. There need 
 not be any delay, for breakfast can be cooked while 
 we are sailin' across," I said, and then harking 
 back to the conversation which we lads had be- 
 tween ourselves in the cuddy on the previous night, 
 I added, " Sam tells us that you saw Luther Sted- 
 man when he made his boasts as to having caused 
 our capture." 
 
 " Ay, lad, although I question whether the Tory 
 saw me. I chanced to be standing just inside the 
 door of the coffee-house on Broad Street, when he 
 entered with some kindred spirits and was explain- 
 ing to them why it seemed necessary for him to 
 leave town at once. It appears that he counted 
 on going down the harbor to crow over you, and 
 I have had no little satisfaction, since learning of 
 
136 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 your safety, in imagining what must have been 
 his feelings when he learned you had not only es- 
 caped, but carried off a prisoner." 
 
 '\We are like to come upon him again, accordin' 
 to my way of thinkin'," Abraham Decker said 
 thoughtfully. " He an' his friends are such 
 staunch Tories that wherever the red-coats are 
 gathered there may we find them, like flies around 
 molasses, an' it may be the Minute Boys will have 
 an opportunity of giving Luther a dose of his own 
 medicine." 
 
 " I cannot blame you for wanting to do some- 
 thing of the kind," the lieutenant said with a smile ; 
 " but you must remember that personal quarrels 
 are to be put in the background now, because of 
 your being engaged in a work that may prove 
 to be of the greatest consequence to the Cause. 
 As a matter of course you lads are not the only 
 ones sent out to spy upon the enemy, but the gen- 
 eral has believed from the first that three boys could 
 do very much more of such work, and perform it 
 better, than a like number of men, because of being 
 less open to suspicion." 
 
 " There would be no question as to our havin' 
 aroused suspicion, if we came across Luther Sted- 
 man," Sam said grimly. " He'd know without be- 
 in' told, why we were at such a distance from 
 Wallabout bay, an' as for our dealing him a dose 
 of medicine in case of comin' across the Tory cur, 
 I'm thinkin' we're the ones who'd have to take 
 it." 
 
 " You are not running your nose into as much 
 danger as when you sailed down past the fleet," the 
 lieutenant said as if thinking it necessary to stiffen 
 our courage, and Abraham made haste to say: 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 1 37 
 
 " We're not like to turn back because of possible 
 -danger any more than we would run into it need- 
 lessly; but if on some night we fail to make a 
 report, you may set it down as certain that Luther 
 Stedman and his Tory foUowin' have got the bet- 
 ter of us." 
 
 " In which case I shall immediately make it my 
 business, unless peradventure I have other work 
 that cannot be neglected, to hunt up this Tory of 
 yours, and, once finding him, you may rest assured 
 I will get some inkling of where you may be. 
 Don't think that we here will be utterly careless as 
 to your safety, for word has already been sent 
 to the commanders of the different forces as to 
 your duties, and orders given that every possible 
 protection be thrown around you." 
 
 Then the lieutenant gravely shook hands with 
 each of us in turn, even including Seth Hartley, 
 and the expression on his face told more plainly 
 than words could have done, that there was some 
 question in his mind as to whether he might meet 
 all of us again. In fact, in those days when the 
 red-coats were pressing us so hardly, we who called 
 ourselves Whigs could not but doubt, on parting 
 with a friend, as to whether we might meet him 
 again. 
 
 The lieutenant went on shore abruptly, and Abel 
 Grant, wearing a more somber expression than 
 usual, said as he made ready the canvas for 
 hoisting : 
 
 " Cast off the hawsers, Seth ! Sam, stir your 
 stumps for a bit of breakfast, so that you three 
 may set out with full stomachs, an' the work of 
 fillin' them up finished before we come to anchor 
 at Wallabout." 
 
138 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Then we pushed off from the bulkhead with 
 barely enough wind to fill the sails, and while round- 
 ing the battery I could see how much more war- 
 like was the appearance of everything than when 
 I had last been there in the daylight. 
 
 Soldiers were marching and counter-marching, 
 as if bent on some work more important than that 
 of merely perfecting themselves in the drill; the 
 sentinels looked to be more alert, and there was less 
 of laughter and careless conversation ashore than 
 I had ever observed. 
 
 Coming around the East river we could see 
 plainljr the obstructions which had been planted 
 there, but in our small boat we had no difficulty in 
 avoiding them. Then, stretching straight away to- 
 ward Wallabout, we had before us on the New York 
 side the newly built redoubts and intrenchments, 
 until it seemed to me as if the entire town was sur- 
 rounded by defenses, and save for the fact that I 
 had seen that vast array of vessels, filled with men 
 eager to kill us at the king's bidding, I would have 
 thought that we might hold ourselves secure from 
 any enemy whatsoever. 
 
 As it was, however, and knowing from Sam's 
 story that General Howe could la:unch upon us 
 fully eight thousand more men than we had fit for 
 service, a big lump came in my throat as I asked 
 myself how long we Whigs might be able to hold 
 out against such superior numbers. 
 
 It was near to three hours, so light was the wind, 
 before we were come to the sloop's old anchorage, 
 and then, to my great delight, we saw my father 
 and Sam's on the shore just making ready to take 
 skiff, probably bound for New York. 
 
 It was a most opportune meeting, for otherwise 
 
MAKING READY FOR A BATTLE. 1 39 
 
 we might have been forced to depart upon our 
 work of spying without having had speech with 
 those whom we were so eager to see, and once they 
 recognized us we had good proof of their affection, 
 and what their anxieties must have been. 
 
 We Minute Boys went on shore at once, and 
 there I would have told my father what we counted 
 on doing, but that he checked me, asking if it was 
 a service required of us by any of the officers of 
 the army, and on being told that it was, he bade 
 me hold my peace. 
 
 With this, however, I would not be content, 
 knowing that it was no secret to those Americans 
 stationed on the island, therefore might be repeated 
 to him, and when I was come to an end of the 
 instructions that had been given, he said, taking 
 me by the hands: 
 
 " Go, my boy, without delay, and may the good 
 God grant that you and I come together again very 
 soon. Say a word of farewell to your mother, who, 
 during nearly two days, mourned you as a prisoner 
 aboard one of the king's ships, and then hasten 
 away." 
 
 " Will you go on board, sir, and see our 
 prisoner ? " 
 
 "To what end?" 
 
 " I believe that while he won't declare himself a 
 friend to the Cause, he is in heart favorable to it, 
 and a word now and then from such as you and 
 Master Garratt will do much to strengthen him in 
 his purpose, for I am counting that before many 
 days have passed he will come to believe that he may 
 throw off all allegiance to the king, through hav- 
 ing learned how bitterly we of the colonies have 
 been oppressed." 
 
I40 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Both Master Garratt and myself will go on 
 board the sloop before leaving," my father said, 
 and thus we parted, I running with all speed to- 
 ward my hom^, and he pushing off in the skiff 
 toward the Swiftsure. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 DETECTED. 
 
 Of the parting with my mother the least said 
 the better for my own peace of mind. As a matter 
 of course she insisted on knowing where I was go- 
 ing, and for what purpose, after which she gave 
 way to grief as if I was on the road to certain 
 death, and this although I did my best to persuade 
 her that the danger was so slight as not tO' be 
 worthy of consideration. 
 
 Abe and Sam had both taken advantage of the 
 opportunity to run home for a moment, and when 
 we were together again I had no need to be ashamed 
 of the redness of my eyes, for theirs were much 
 like mine. 
 
 We walked rapidly and in silence, neither caring 
 to indulge in conversation until the sadness caused 
 by parting from the dear ones had worn away 
 somewhat, and it goes without saying that we took 
 the most direct course for Gowanus bay, striking 
 across country, rather than traveling by the high- 
 ways where we might be seen by some of our Tory 
 neighbors. 
 
 A full hour passed before a word was said, and 
 then Abe recalled to my mind that I was not fit to 
 hold myself as leader of Minute Boys, even though 
 my force numbered only three. 
 141 
 
142 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " We have forgotten to bring away any pro- 
 visions, an' if two are to remain on duty while the 
 third goes back with whatsoever of a report we 
 may have to make, some of us stand a good chance 
 of bein' hungry before seein' Wallabout bay 
 again." 
 
 I came to a full stop, believing it was absolutely 
 necessary we retrace our steps in order to atone 
 for the neglect; but Sam would not listen to any- 
 thing of the kind. 
 
 " It is near noon already, an' if we go back 
 there'll be little hope of our seein 'the British fleet 
 this day. To go around by Master Onderdonk's, 
 whom we know is a true friend to the Cause, will 
 not take us out of the direct course more than a 
 quarter-mile, an' there we can get what will stay 
 our stomachs until the return of him who goes to 
 New York first." 
 
 This was good advice, for, as I have said, we had 
 walked a full hour before discovering our over- 
 sight, and, as a matter of course, twice that length 
 of time would be wasted if we went back at once. 
 
 Therefore it was we struck out for the highway, 
 being forced to do so in order to reach Master 
 Onderdonk's; but we met no one, either Whig or 
 Tory, andj therefore, no great harm was done, save 
 as we lost that much time which might have been 
 saved if I had had my wits about me. 
 
 The good man was at home, much to our satisfac- 
 tion, and when we explained that we had been set 
 a task by General Putnam, and told how it chanced 
 we had set off without provisions, he would have 
 loaded us down like beasts, so eager was he to do 
 that which might further the Cause. 
 
 Because it seemed as if time was precious, we did 
 
DETECTED. I43 
 
 not remain at Master Onderdonk's any longer than 
 was absolutely necessary ; but on coming out on the 
 highway once more, in order to strike across the 
 country again, whom should we see but Luther 
 Stedman's father astride his gray mare, riding to- 
 ward his home from the direction of Gowanus bay. 
 
 The old Tory eyed us sharply as he passed at a 
 jog trot, but spoke never a word, and when he 
 was beyond earshot Sam said ruefully : 
 
 " It is bad luck to meet such as he when we are 
 settin' out on a task like this ! He has most likely 
 been to give some information to the Britishers 
 concernin' our people, an' now, havin' seen us, will 
 spread the fact of our headin' for the Narrows." 
 
 " Well, an' how much will that advantage the 
 old Tory ? " Abe asked disdainfully. " Haven't we 
 the right to travel over the same road he does ? " 
 
 " Ay, but it is not of any advantage to our mis- 
 sion that it be known by such as he." 
 
 " I'm allowin' it won't make one hair white or 
 black in the long run," Abe replied carelessly, and 
 then he fell to speculating as to what the Britshers 
 would do if they came to know Seth Hartley was 
 on board the sloop, claiming to be bound by his 
 parole. 
 
 " I reckon we'd find ourselves in trouble, if the 
 red-coats came up this way," I replied with an in- 
 ward quaking. " If it was believed we really held 
 him prisoner, his comrades would do what they 
 might to set him free; and in case it was suspected 
 that he staid of his own free will, then would the 
 officers seek him out as a deserter. In either event, 
 we'd be in hot water." 
 
 " There's no need of crossin' bridges till we come 
 to them," Abe interrupted irritably. " We can find 
 
144 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 trouble enough by lookin' forward to what's in 
 hand, without runnin' around to hunt for it." 
 
 After that the conversation lagged again, and 
 very little was said among us until we were finally 
 come to where it was possible to have a full view 
 of all the king's ships at anchor, and verily it seemed 
 as if the Narrows and bay were entirely filled by 
 them. We could see everywhere on the opposite 
 shore the white tents of the army, until it was as 
 if the island was completely covered by them, and 
 I said to myself that our people could not hope to 
 hold out very long, however desperately and bravely 
 they might fight, against such an array of dis- 
 ciplined and well-armed men. 
 
 Boats were passing from the ships to the shore, 
 some carrying men, and others deeply laden as if 
 with ammunition. On the decks of the vessels 
 every one appeared to be busily engaged with this 
 task or that, and there could be no question about 
 General Howe's making ready to strike a heavy 
 blow. 
 
 " Can you make out what is bein' done ? " I asked 
 of my comrades after we had gazed at the thrilling 
 scene a full ten minutes in silence. 
 
 " It would be hard to tell what they wasn't 
 doin'," Sam replied with a mirthless laugh. " Say, 
 doesn't it look as if there were more vessels than 
 when we sailed down the bay ? " 
 
 " Sure ; you yourself told us that Admiral Howe's 
 fleet had come in while we were makin' the voyage 
 around Long Island," Abe replied grimly. " I 
 wonder if General Putnam would like to know ex- 
 actly how many are anchored off here ? " 
 
 " Unless we could tell him how many of the ships 
 were armed, I don't fancy the information would 
 
DETECTED. 1 45 
 
 be very valuable," was my answer, as if I knew 
 it all, although I was such a poor leader as to have 
 forgotten that we would need provisions during our 
 time of spying. " The question is what there is 
 to be seen of which he would want to know," and 
 again I gazed around, vainly trying to hit upon 
 some one thing of importance. 
 
 It was Sam who finally hit upon that which 
 seemed to have a decided meaning outside the gen- 
 eral bustle and apparent confusion. 
 
 " Look at the ship-buildin' that's goin' on over 
 there ! " he cried, pointing straight across from 
 where we crouched on the high bank. " They are 
 makin' a lot of big scows as if their fleet wasn't 
 large enough already ! " 
 
 We had no difficulty in distinguishing that which 
 he pointed out. I could see no less than a dozen 
 huge craft made of roughly hewn logs, on which 
 soldiers were yet working, and I wondered greatly 
 what could be the meaning of such work until Abe 
 suddenly cried: 
 
 " They are gettin' ready to cross the Narrows, 
 an' the scows are to transport the men an' heavy 
 guns! It musi; be they count on landin' here- 
 abouts! I reckon we've got somethin' to tell Gen- 
 eral Putnam now ! " 
 
 " But it stands to reason he knows it already," 
 Sam objected. " Our people at Red Hook can see 
 what is goin' on, as well as we." 
 
 " We are to make a report every night," I in- 
 terrupted, " an' if one is to be made 'twixt now 
 an' sunrise, it seems as though it should be about 
 the scows, for I can see nothin' else that would 
 be of interest." 
 
 " But if he knows about them already ? " 
 
146 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " It is not for us to guess what he may know ; 
 but simply to tell him what we have seen. He 
 said there were others nearabout on the same er- 
 rand as ours, an' I reckon he wants to hear from 
 three or four, in order to make certain that the 
 information is correct. Let's take due heed as to 
 what is bein' done there, an' then make ready to go 
 back to New York." 
 
 " Who is to act as messenger this time ? " Sam 
 asked just a trifle impatiently, and I replied laugh- 
 ingly : 
 
 " I reckon we'll have to draw lots again." 
 
 " It isn't fair to make me do that twice runnin'. 
 I was chosen the last time, an' it seems as if you 
 an' Abe ought to take your chances." 
 
 " So we will," I said, determined that there 
 should be no ill-feeling among us Minute Boys if 
 I could prevent it. " You prepare the twigs, an' 
 we'll soon settle who shall go." 
 
 Abraham made no objection to this proposition, 
 and soon Sam was ready. I took first choice, 
 my comrade insisting it should be so, and there was 
 left in Sam's hand the shortest twig for him. 
 
 " All right, I'll toddle back, leavin' you fellows 
 here to have a good snooze, for of course you can't 
 do any spyin' in the night," he said cheerily. " Let 
 all three of us see what we can make out, an' 
 after the sum of it has been put together, I'll set 
 ofif. When am I to come back?" 
 
 " The general or Lieutenant Winterbottom will 
 tell you as to that," I replied, mentally blessing the 
 good fortune which saved me from a long tramp 
 across the island, with the chances of being gobbled 
 up by some of the Tories who might be prowling 
 around in search of a Whig. 
 
DETEQTED. I47 
 
 When each of us had searched the opposite shore 
 carefully with our eyes, we told Abe what we had 
 seen that appeared to be of the most importance, 
 and this, together with what he himself had ob- 
 served, made up the information, slight though it 
 was, which he was to carry to the commander. 
 
 It seemed much like a clear waste of labor to 
 make the journey to New York simply to repeat 
 what we had seen, for there could be no question 
 but it was already known to our people that the 
 Britishers were building scows ; the order had been 
 given, however, and it was for us to obey rather 
 than question it. 
 
 It was agreed that Abraham should retrace his 
 steps over very nearly the same course we had just 
 come, when, beyond a question, he would find the 
 " admiral " and his " crew " on the lookout. 
 
 Then would come the cruise to New York, and 
 the making of the return voyage. If nothing oc- 
 curred to cause delay, and there was a sailing breeze, 
 we allowed that Abraham should be back in Walla- 
 bout bay by daylight. 
 
 We could not expect him to arrive before noon 
 on the morrow, and it might well happen, even 
 though no danger threatened, that we should not 
 see him for a full twenty-four hours. Fortu- 
 nately, however, the time of his return was of but 
 little moment, providing no especial danger threat- 
 ened, and we agreed that if when the sun set again 
 he had not come, I would take my turn at carrying 
 the report, trusting to the chances of meeting him 
 on the way. 
 
 He did not take any portion of the food which 
 Master Onderdonk had so generously supplied, be- 
 cause of there being stores in plenty when once he 
 
148 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 was on board the sloop ; but set -q^ in light march- 
 ing order, and with a cheery word on his lips. 
 
 There was no reason whatsoever why I should 
 feel concerned about him, and yet strange to say, 
 my heart was heavy with the sense of impending 
 evil when he vanished amid the gloom, leaving 
 Sam and me to remain where was no possibility 
 we might accomplish anything until the sun had 
 arisen again. 
 
 " It is only a question of a long tramp," my com- 
 rade said when we two were alone, as if he like 
 myself had some forebodings as to the future. 
 " There isn't one chance in an hundred that he will 
 meet with any Tories in the night, if he follows the 
 course by which we came, an' we have no reason 
 to feel anxious concerning him." 
 
 " Then let's drop the subject," I said a trifle ir- 
 ritably, for the suspicion that Sam was thinking of 
 possible evil in Abraham's path made me exceed- 
 ing nervous. " We have nothin' to do betwixt now 
 an' momin', save sleep, an' I'm thinking we'd best 
 get about the job." 
 
 There was little need for us to make any prepa- 
 rations for the night. A bed out of doors while 
 the weather was so hot would afford more of com- 
 fort than one in a house, and we made ready for 
 slumber by simply searching for a smooth, level 
 place whereon we could stretch our limbs at full 
 length. 
 
 It was while we were thus engaged that I fancied 
 it possible to hear the hoof-beats of a horse on the 
 highway, which at this point passed within less than 
 an hundred yards of the shore, and, motioning Sam 
 to remain silent, we stood listening two or three 
 
DETECTED. I 49 
 
 moments without hearing anything, when I came 
 to believe that my ears had deceived me. 
 
 " What was it ? " Sam asked anxiously. 
 
 " Nothin', else we would have heard somethin' 
 more by this time," and I told him of what I fan- 
 cied came to my ears. 
 
 " You may set it down as a fact that there is no 
 one stirrin' nearabout here unless he have business 
 with the British fleet, an' that could best be at- 
 tended to in the daylight," Sam replied carelessly, 
 as he laid himself down to sleep. 
 
 The spot which we had selected was just within 
 a sparse clump of fir bushes, which would serve 
 to break the wind and screen us from view of all 
 save a careful scrutiny. As a matter of course it 
 was open on the water side, affording an unob- 
 structed view of Long Island, and when we were 
 stretched out at full length upon the ground, it was 
 possible to see the riding lights of the vessels, the 
 camp-fires, and the numberless lanterns which 
 marked the location of the temporary shipyard, tell- 
 ing us plainly that the work of preparing the scows 
 was being pushed forward with all possible speed, 
 since men were laboring by night as well as by 
 day. 
 
 Neither Sam nor I were inclined for conversa- 
 tion, nor did slumber visit our eyelids, and when 
 we had laid there motionless for ten minutes or 
 more, I heard what was like stealthy footsteps near 
 at hand. That the same sound had come to Sam's 
 ears I knew when, without changing position, he 
 clutched my arm to attract attention, and as if 
 with one accord we two rose to a sitting posture. 
 
 That a human being was approaching there could 
 
150 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 be no question, and it seemed equally certain search 
 was being made for somebody or some particular 
 spot, while every precaution was being taken against 
 detection. Had I been a fit leader for our little 
 party of Minute Boys, I would have remembered 
 our meeting with Master Stedman, when he eyed 
 us so closely without speaking, and have put this 
 fact with that which came to our ears, in such a 
 manner that the whole situation must have been 
 made plain. 
 
 As it was, however, the thought came into my 
 mind that some one was coming up thus cautiously 
 in order to spy upon the doings of the Britishers, 
 and, therefore, believing the newcomer to be a 
 friend, I was all unprepared for that which we 
 saw a moment later. 
 
 The night was not so dark but that we could 
 distinguish quite clearly objects close at hand, and 
 when the bushes were drawn apart with a cautious 
 hand we saw the face of Luther Stedman looking 
 down upon us. 
 
 Recognition on both sides came at the same in- 
 stant, and as he suddenly drew back with a gesture 
 of disappointment, Sam and I sprang to our feet, 
 both believing it was absolutely necessary for our 
 own safety that he be prevented from leaving the 
 spot. 
 
 As a matter of course we were unarmed, and it 
 was only likely to suppose if, as seemed to be the 
 case, the sneak had been searching for us, he was 
 prepared for an encounter; but we gave no heed to 
 such possible fact, the only thought in our minds 
 being that we must prevent him from escaping. 
 
 Our eagerness to protect ourselves was more 
 than a match for his thirst to be revenged, and he 
 
DETECTED. 151 
 
 had not taken above a dozen steps in flight before 
 we were upon him. 
 
 The cur turned at bay, finding that it would be 
 impossible to give us the slip, and at the same time 
 shouted at the full strength of his lungs: 
 
 " Bear a hand lively, Ezra ! The rebels are upon 
 me!" 
 
 While uttering this appeal for help he aimed a 
 blow at me, and I caught it full on the cheek with 
 a sting that came near to dazing me for the in- 
 stant ; but, fortunately, at the same instant he struck 
 out Sam gave him one directly under the jaw, 
 felling him to the earth in a twinkling. 
 
 " Hold him there ! " I shouted. " Here comes 
 the other cur ! " and I darted forward to gain the 
 shelter of a bush, hoping the newcomer might not 
 see me until I had had time to receive him properly. 
 
 In this I was only partially successful, for the 
 second Tory saw me at the very instant he was 
 pushing swiftly through the light screen of foliage, 
 and leaped upon my shoulders like a cat. 
 
 It goes without saying that we both came to the 
 earth, where we rolled over and over striving un- 
 successfully to get a grip on each other's throats, 
 and all the while Luther was screaming for help 
 at the full strength of his lungs. 
 
 My antagonist was no sooner upon me than I 
 recognized him as that Ezra Billings who lived near 
 to Red Hook with his uncle, as rabid an old Tory 
 as ever went unhung. The lad was a good twenty 
 pounds the heavier, had often boasted of his ability 
 to down me in a rough and tumble fight, and verily 
 now was come the time when he had an opportunity 
 to make his words good. 
 
 Understanding that I must gain a speedy advan- 
 
152 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 tage if I counted on coming off best, it can well be 
 fancied how desperately I struggled; but he was 
 too much for me, particularly after getting a grip 
 on my throat which I could not shake off, and 
 then it seemed as if death stood very near at hand. 
 I could no longer breathe ; there came into my head 
 a buzzing as if a dozen mill-wheels were running at 
 full speed, and the strength left my arms. I be- 
 lieved myself to be dying; I was dimly conscious of 
 a crackling sound, and all became a blank. 
 
 When I returned to consciousness, which must 
 have been very shortly after having been deprived 
 of it, my arms were tied behind my back; I was 
 lying near the bushes, and a dozen paces away two 
 figures were bending over a prostrate body. 
 
 If my life had depended upon it I could not have 
 repressed the groan which escaped my lips on thus 
 understanding that Sam and I had been worsted in 
 the fight. We had outwitted the entire British 
 fleet only to come to grief at the hands of two 
 rascally Tories whom we should have downed with 
 but little trouble! The career of the Minute Boys 
 had been cut short very quickly, and in a manner 
 to cause them shame. 
 
 As I understood an instant later, Luther and 
 Ezra were binding Sam when I saw them bending 
 over him, for they soon stood erect, the work hav- 
 ing been finished, and, seeing that I was aware of 
 what was going on, that Stedman cur said in a 
 tone of reproach : 
 
 " So your race is run at last, Ephraim Lyttle ! 
 You had the advantage of me once; but it was 
 short-lived, an' now my turn has come to give you 
 a dose ! " 
 
 There was anger instead of sorrow in my heart 
 
i< 1 I'M allowin' that a single vessel . 
 
 THE TRICK THIS TIME.' " 
 
 . WILL DO 
 
DETECTED. 1 53 
 
 as he spoke, and I cried with no httle satisfaction: 
 
 " I got the best of you twice, you cowardly Tory, 
 an' shall live to give you another taste of the 
 same medicine; but it will have a more lastin' ef- 
 fect. You counted that the Britishers had paid off 
 your score; but more than one fleet was needed 
 to hold us ! " 
 
 " I'm allowin' that a single vessel, an' a mighty 
 small one at that, will do the trick this time," he 
 replied with a menacing gesture which caused me 
 to believe he counted on striking one who could not 
 defend himself, and most like he would have done 
 so but that Ezra Billings caught him by the arm, 
 at the same time whispering in his ear. 
 
 " Don't be afraid that I'll make a fool of my- 
 self ! " he cried impatiently, throwing off Ezra's 
 hand. " I understand that he belongs aboard the 
 frigate, an' by daybreak to-morrow the scoundrelly 
 Whig shall be where he can't slip away in the 
 fog!" 
 
 My heart sank within me as he spoke. It was 
 impossible any of our friends would come that way 
 before daylight, and he could readily put us aboard 
 a British vessel where would be no chance of escape. 
 The only wonder in my mind was that he did not 
 set about the task at once, instead of waiting until 
 morning. Afterward I came to know that the 
 Tories of Long and Staten Islands had received most 
 peremptory orders not to make any attempt at go- 
 ing within the British encampment or among the 
 fleet during the hours of darkness, unless they 
 brought information of the most vital importance. 
 
 It was useless to bandy words with the villain, 
 because, while we were helpless and in his power, 
 he would get too much satisfaction from an ex- 
 
154 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 change of threats, and I held my peace while he 
 told of all that he would do once we were confined 
 in the prison of the frigate frorfi which we had 
 escaped. 
 
 " After we've left you safe in the hands of our 
 friends, where you'll have a chance to think over 
 your sins against the king, an' won't grow overly 
 fat on bread an' water, we'll set about cuttin' the 
 claws of that idiot who trains in your company — 
 Abel Grant, an' by this time to-morrow we'll have 
 possession of your sloop. I allow Ezra an' I can 
 make better use of her than you have," Luther said 
 tauntingly, as he stood over me with hand up- 
 raised to shut off my wind if I should venture to 
 speak, and Sam cried stoutly : 
 
 " Don't count on too many chickeng at one time, 
 you sneakin' Tory! It will do Abel Grant's heart 
 good to have a whack at you, an' I'm thinkin' our 
 sloop won't advantage you much, save when you're 
 carried to New York in her to answer for what 
 has been done this night ! " 
 
 Luther turned as if he had suddenly been stung, 
 and I said, raising my voice for Sam's benefit : 
 
 " Let him wag his tongue for a while, lad ; it 
 isn't harmin' us, an' comes more natural than to 
 stand up in a fair fight like a man. It's a long 
 lane which has no turn, an' he can count to a dead 
 certainty that our day will come." 
 
 " It will be a good many years hence, Ephraim 
 Lyttle, for once you're safely housed on one of the 
 king's ships, there's small chance of your goin' free 
 in a hurry." 
 
 I winced under the words, knowing only too well 
 that they were true. Already had the officers of a 
 certain frigate in the king's fleet cause to feel sore 
 
DETECTED. 155 
 
 against us because we had pulled the wool so com- 
 pletely over their eyes, and even though that trick 
 had not been played, the son of so well known a 
 Whig as my father, would not soon be set at 
 liberty. Once aboard the British vessel we could 
 count on staying there, or in some other prison, 
 for many a day, unless by a lucky chance our peo- 
 ple might come off the victors in the struggle, and 
 just then so happy a conclusion did not appear 
 probable. 
 
 It had never been in my mind that Ezra Billings 
 possessed overly much sound common sense, but 
 on this night he showed himself the superior of 
 Luther in that respect, for I heard him say in a low 
 tone, .leading his Tory friend aside as if to speak 
 secretly : 
 
 " I'm of the idea that we had better not waste 
 any time in crowin' over what we've done, an' it'll 
 be better that we make our preparations for the 
 visit to the fleet as soon as day breaks. There's 
 no tellin' when the friends of these fellows may 
 show themselves. Remember that your father said 
 there were three, an' we've found only two." 
 
 I could see even in the gloom that Luther was 
 startled by the suggestion that there might be others 
 of our company near at hand, for he stepped out- 
 side the fringe of bushes to look eagerly around, 
 and no longer showed any very keen desire to 
 taunt us. 
 
 After a whispered conversation which we could 
 not overhear, I saw Ezra Billings start off in the 
 direction of the highway, and Luther began pacing 
 to and fro where he might see us and at the same 
 time make certain no one could approach from the 
 road without being observed by him. 
 
156 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 The bushes hid him ever so slightly from our 
 view, and, taking advantage of this fact, Sam began 
 rolling over and over on the ground until he was 
 close beside me, when he whispered softly: 
 
 " Think you there is any chance Abe may get 
 back before these curs are ready to take us to the 
 fleet?" 
 
 " None whatever, lad," I replied despondently. 
 " He could hardly go from here to Wallabout an' 
 back without stoppin', 'twixt now an' sunrise. 
 Even with a good wind, an' nothin' to hinder him 
 in the way, I fail to see how he might get here 
 until after we've been a good twelve hours in the 
 frigate's prison." 
 
 " I'm not certain that death wouldn't be more 
 easy than a prisoner's life!" the lad said bitterly, 
 and for the instant I could think of no cheering 
 word, for the gloom in my own heart was very thick 
 just then. 
 
 Suddenly came a ray of light, very faint, but 
 sufficient to set my heart bounding violently. 
 
 " With what are your hands bound ? " I whis- 
 pered ever so gently, keeping my eyes fixed on 
 Luther to make certain he had no suspicion that 
 we were holding converse one with another. 
 
 " A rope, I believe, which Ezra Billings was 
 wearin' in the stead of a belt." 
 
 " Turn on your face. There is just a chance I 
 might loosen it with my teeth." 
 
 Sam obeyed, but I could understand from the 
 sluggishness of his movements that he had little 
 faith in my ability to accomplish anything in such 
 a manner. 
 
 It was indeed a rope less than half an inch thick, 
 
DETECTED. 157 
 
 as I found once I had set my teeth into it, and, 
 faint though my hope was, I went feverishly to 
 work, spurred to do that which at another time 
 might have been impossible, by the picture of the 
 prison aboard the frigate, which stood out clear and 
 ominous in my mind. 
 
 Within five minutes I learned that nothing could 
 be effected by trying to untie the knot with my 
 teeth, and then I raised my head to see what Luther 
 might be doing. He still remained on guard, and 
 as I gazed at the cur Sam whispered : 
 
 " I thought you couldn't do it. Turn around ; 
 perhaps I may have better luck." 
 
 " Wait until I have done tryin'. The knot can't 
 be untied, but my teeth are good, an' if Ezra Bill- 
 ings don't come back too soon, I may be able to chew 
 it apart." 
 
 Verily it seemed a hopeless task to thus sever the 
 stout bonds ; but if it could be done our prison doors 
 would not be open so wide, and I worked as never 
 before, hardly ceasing to draw a long breath, or to 
 give any heed as to what Luther might be doing. 
 
 Let him who thinks my task a simple one, him- 
 self try the experience of cutting a manila rope with 
 his teeth, and he will soon understand that nothing 
 save sheer desperation could have kept me at the 
 apparently hopeless task. 
 
 The blood bounded violently through my veins 
 when, by the sense of touch, I knew a single strand 
 had been cut, and I stopped sufficiently long to 
 whisper to Sam at the same time that I took another 
 look at Luther: 
 
 " It ain't impossible, lad ; but is only a question 
 of time. If Ezra will stay away half an hour 
 
158 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 longer I'll have you free, an' once we're in shape 
 to fight it must be to the death, rather than a long 
 dose of British prison." 
 
 " Don't waste precious time talkin' ; but keep at 
 the work, if so be it is possible to cut the bonds. 
 Trust me for knowin' what to do once my hands 
 are loose ! " 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 TURNING THE TABLES. 
 
 I WAS literally trembling with joy when the mo- 
 ment came that I had gnawed half-way through the 
 rope, and just when it seemed as if success must 
 attend my efforts, the sound of footsteps told that 
 some one was approaching. 
 
 Only with difficulty did I repress a cry of dis- 
 appointment and rage, believing Ezra Billings had 
 come back, and Sam rolled hastily over on his back 
 that it might not be seen we two had been in com- 
 munication. 
 
 Hope sprang up an instant later, however, when 
 only Luther's evil face looked in at us to make cer- 
 tain we were as he left us. I fancy we had re- 
 mained so nearly silent that he thought it possible 
 we might have rigged up some plan for escape, 
 and it was well for us that he did not know how 
 near such a supposition was to the truth. 
 
 " This is the last time I shall have a chance of 
 seein' you Whigs, except through the bars of the 
 frigate's prison, an' I don't want to waste any 
 chances," he said with an evil leer. 
 
 It was difficult to hold my peace, so strongly was 
 I tempted to give him a tongue lashing; but I re- 
 membered that the longer we held him in converse, 
 even though the subject might be a bitter one, the 
 159 
 
i6o THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 longer would we be deprived of an opportunity to 
 continue the work so well begun, and some such 
 thought must have been in Sam's mind, for he re- 
 mained silent when I knew full well he was actually 
 aching to speak out that which was in his heart. 
 
 " So you've come to understand that we've got 
 you fast, eh ? " Luther continued after waiting an 
 instant without receiving any reply. " Don't for- 
 get that I've got friends aboard the fleet, an' they'll 
 give me every opportunity of lookin' in to see that 
 you're stayin' where you belong. If you two 
 Whigs don't have a hot time from this out, it won't 
 be fault of mine ! " 
 
 We remained silent, and evidently despairing of 
 arousing us to wrath he wheeled about, returning 
 to his former post of duty. Then, in a twinkling, 
 Sam was lying on his face in front of me once 
 more. 
 
 Nervous and excited as I was, it seemed as if the 
 Tory cur had occupied a full half-hour of our 
 precious time, though I now question if he stood 
 over us more than two or three minutes, and I went 
 to work with my teeth in a fever of energy. 
 
 Then, when it seemed to me as if the work was 
 well nigh done, I heard the sound of footsteps in 
 the distance, and immediately afterward heard 
 Luther shouting Ezra's name. 
 
 " It's too late now ! " Sam cried despairingly, and 
 I set my teeth hard, grinding them together in des- 
 peration at the same instant that he exerted all his 
 strength to give one mighty tug. 
 
 Then it was that I was near to crying aloud in 
 triumph and exultation, for the partially severed 
 rope was broken asunder, and at almost the same 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. l6l 
 
 instant Sam was at work on the bonds which held 
 my arms behind me. 
 
 " Have you found the boat ? " we heard Luther 
 cry, and from a distance came the reply: 
 
 "Ay, but you'll have to help launch. her, for the 
 tide is down, an' she's high up on the beach. We 
 can take your Whigs there, an' let 'em enjoy seein' 
 us makin' ready to carry them where they belong." 
 
 My arms were free by this time, and I whispered 
 excitedly : 
 
 " Can you see anythin' that will serve as a 
 weapon ? " 
 
 " We're not needin' any," was the grim reply. 
 " I'm so eager to get even with those scoundrelly 
 Tories for what they've made me suffer, that I can 
 handle twice my weight, in anythin' like a fair 
 fight," and Sam crept toward the fringe of bushes, 
 in order, as I understood, to be ready to receive 
 Luther when next he came. 
 
 And he had not long to wait. I crouched low 
 that the cur might not suspect anything and remain 
 at a distance until Ezra came up, and by so doing 
 showed more wisdom than at any time since hav- 
 ing called myself the leader of the Minute Boys, 
 for Luther, eager to set us in motion, came run- 
 ning through the screen of foliage as he shouted : 
 
 " You're to move lively, now, you miserable 
 Whigs, an' if either of you tries to hang back in the 
 harness, he'll get a dose that won't quickly be for- 
 gotten." 
 
 Luther set us in motion all right; but we were 
 not the ones who got the dose just then. When the 
 Tory came through the bushes, Sam, who was bend- 
 ing low behind the screen, caught him by the legs, 
 
l62 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 and the fellow went headlong to the ground, I 
 clapping my hand with no gentle force over his 
 mouth even as he fell. 
 
 " Get that belt which was buckled on my arms ! " 
 I whispered. " Work lively, an' I'll keep his tongue 
 still so Ezra won't suspect anythin'." 
 
 It was impossible for Luther to put up much of 
 a fight while one of my hands was over his mouth 
 and the other on the top of his head pressing it 
 down among the pine needles, and Sam was by 
 no means a laggard in obeying the command I had 
 given. 
 
 He had the belt buckled around Luther's arms 
 almost before I was done speaking, and then ripped 
 off a goodly piece of the Tory's shirt, with which he 
 made a gag. When this last was in place, and 
 held by the rope that had so lately fettered Sam, 
 we were ready to give Master Billings the reception 
 of his life, and there is no question in my mind but 
 that he got it. 
 
 " Have the Whigs nestled 'round much since I 
 left ? " he asked with a laugh as he stepped within 
 the line of bushes, and on the instant I dealt him a 
 blow on the chin that seemingly knocked the life 
 out of him, for he fell like a log, and Sam asked 
 nervously : 
 
 " Have you killed him, Eph ? " 
 
 " I reckon there's life enough left in him to do 
 considerable mischief to the Cause if so be he has 
 the chance. He was needin' that same dose for the 
 squarin' of accounts between us, an' I reckon he 
 got it full an' plenty. I wouldn't trust these 
 sneakin' Tories even when they look harmless, so 
 while I make certain he don't find himself suffi- 
 ciently to raise an outcry, do you see what can be 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 1 63 
 
 used with which to put him in somethin' the same 
 shape we were a few minutes ago." 
 
 By the time we had bound our prisoners se- 
 curely, each with a gag in his mouth, Sam and I 
 had sacrificed the greater portion of our shirts ; but 
 this waste of good clothing we did not mourn over, 
 and would willingly have given up all we wore 
 rather than take any chances of their giving us 
 the slip. 
 
 " That's what I call turnin' the tables in good 
 shape," Sam said in a tone of deepest content as 
 he wiped the perspiration from his face, for the 
 night was warm and we had had considerable vigor- 
 ous exercise. " The question now is, what we'll 
 do with the sneaks? " 
 
 "Take 'em to New York!" I replied em- 
 phatically, for while gnawing at the rope which 
 bound Sam's arms I had decided what we should 
 do in case we succeeded, in changing places with the 
 Tories. 
 
 " New York ! " Sam cried as if in dismay. " It 
 can't be done ! " 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 " We'd never get from here to Wallabout with 
 'em, an' that's the fact." 
 
 " I can't see why it shouldn't be done. With 
 those gags to prevent them from makin' any out- 
 cry, an' the points of our pocket knives for spurs, 
 I fail to see why the trick can't be turned, if we set 
 out at once." 
 
 " But what about our work here ? " 
 
 " It won't suffer durin' the hours of darkness, 
 an' at least one of us can be back here before the 
 sun rises." 
 
 " There's nothin' will please me more than to 
 
l64 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 send 'em as a present to General Putnam, an' if you 
 say it can be done, I'm ready for the venture; but 
 we'll be in a box in case of runnin' across two or 
 three Tories," Sam said grimly, and I replied with 
 a laugh of relief, for it was mighty enlivening to 
 be free once more: 
 
 " Lads who have been as near a British prison 
 as you an' I, can afford to take some chances for 
 the sake of servin' out properly such sneaks as 
 these, an' if by any bad luck we should come across 
 a lot of Tories, we'll leave our mark on some of 
 'em before takin' to our heels." 
 
 I was not such a fool that I failed of under- 
 standing how precious time was to us just then. 
 If by daylight we had not arrived at Wallabout bay, 
 then the chances were decidedly against our ever 
 getting there with the prisoners, for as soon as the 
 sun rose the Tories would be out in full force, the 
 presence of the British fleet having stirred them 
 into activity as the sun does half-frozen flies. 
 
 Even while talking with Sam I had asked myself 
 what could be done if we arrived before the sloop 
 had returned from the trip to New York with 
 Abe, for I was not minded to bring down the wrath 
 of our neighbors upon my father and mother by 
 making of their house a prison. However, so I 
 told myself, it would be time enough to consider 
 what should be done after we had come to the bay, 
 and thus I put all forebodings as to the future from 
 my mind. 
 
 Sam was eager to be off, as indeed was I, and 
 he said to the Tories who were looking woefully 
 down at the mouth, as well they might : 
 
 " You fellows are goin' to take a little trip over 
 to Wallabout in our company. We're not afraid 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 1 65 
 
 you'll try to give an alarm in case we come near 
 anybody, for the gags you're wearin' ain't likely 
 to slip out of place; but we've got to take some 
 precautions against your laggin' on the way, be- 
 cause we're bound to make quick time, so look at 
 the point of this blade," and Sam opened his pocket- 
 knife. " We don't allow to treat you in any way 
 harsh; but if so be you fail of stepping out as 
 lively as we're needin' to move, I shall put a 
 quarter-inch of this steel into whatever part of your 
 body happens to be most convenient. That much 
 you'd better not forget, for it ain't likely we shall 
 speak of it again. Now get on your feet." 
 
 The prisoners evidently understood by the tone 
 of Sam's voice that he would carry out his threat 
 to the letter, for they scrambled up more quickly 
 than I had supposed was possible for fellows whose 
 arms were tied behind their backs. 
 
 There was no good reason for further delay, and 
 we set off, driving the Tories like sheep before us, 
 they striving in good shape not to deserve the prick- 
 ing of the knife which Sam held conspicuously in 
 his hand. 
 
 I had no good idea as to the time; but believed 
 it was yet early in the night when we started, and, 
 if no accident befell us we should be able, even 
 while forced to strike across country, to arrive at 
 Wallabout before the sun showed himself. 
 
 Under ordinary conditions I would have been too 
 weary to walk at any very swift pace; but the 
 thought of what we had so narrowly escaped 
 caused me to forget all else, and on I pressed as 
 if having come from a long time of rest. 
 
 Luther and Ezra had probably walked a number 
 of miles before having come upon us; but they 
 
l66 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 showed no signs of lagging, and when we struck 
 the trail which showed that Wallabout was less 
 than five miles away, I believed we had ample time 
 in which to conclude the journey. 
 
 " We've got over the worst of it," I said to Sam, 
 speaking for the first time since we set out, it hav- 
 ing been agreed that we would not indulge in con- 
 versation lest the sound of our voices betray us, 
 and he replied grimly: 
 
 " I'd rather not do any crowin', though I'm be- 
 ginnin' to believe that we'll work the trick all right. 
 If Luther an' Ezra hadn't been quite so sure things 
 were all goin' their way, we shouldn't be drivin' 
 'em along in this fashion." 
 
 I felt reproved, for the lad had hit the nail on 
 the head. It would be more becoming in me to 
 save my breath for the task before us, instead of 
 crowing over what was not yet finished. 
 
 We pushed forward without slackening speed 
 save once when crossing a brook, and I would have 
 slaked my raging thirst, when I realized that our 
 prisoners, with the cruel gags in their mouths, must 
 be suffering more severely for water than we, and 
 at once said to Sam: 
 
 " We won't show ourselves brutes, even though 
 they were inclined to do so when everythin' was in 
 their favor. Stand by to prod 'em with your knife 
 in case they make any noise when I take out the 
 gags." 
 
 Luther was the first who had the opportunity of 
 wading into the brook and quenching his thirst. 
 He said never a word until having drank his fill, 
 and then how the cur did beg that I would not re- 
 place the gag! 
 
 " It seems as if I should choke to death with that 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 167 
 
 rag in my mouth," he cried appealingly. " I'll agree 
 not to make the least little noise, no matter how 
 many may come along, if you'll only let me have a 
 fair chance to breathe ! " 
 
 While he was speaking I unfastened the ropes of 
 cloth which bound Ezra's gag in place; but he said 
 never a word until after literally flinging himself 
 into the brook to drink his fill, and we could well 
 understand how great must have been his sufferings. 
 
 "What do you say, Sam?" I asked, and the 
 lad replied: 
 
 " I wouldn't take the oath of a Tory, if anythin' 
 depended on it, an'' believe Luther would give an 
 alarm if he saw any show to escape, even though 
 he'd sworn himself blue in the face. However, we 
 know full well how tough it must be to travel at 
 a good pace on this hot night, with one's mouth tied 
 up, an' if you're willin' I'll take the chances." 
 
 " I'll remember the favor, Sam Garratt," Ezra 
 said feelingly as he arose refreshed from the brook, 
 " an' if it ever comes my way to do you a good 
 turn in payment, no matter what happens, I'll do it." 
 
 Not until this had been agreed upon did Sam and 
 I slake our thirst, he watching the prisoners closely 
 while I drank, after which I did a like turn for 
 him. 
 
 Now was I more keenly on the alert for any sign 
 of danger. The prisoners were in condition to 
 bring down upon us those who would rejoice to 
 send us aboard the British frigate, if so be we came 
 near to any Tory habitation, and I was resolved 
 that the gags should be replaced at the first indica- 
 tion that they were like to break the promises made. 
 
 We traveled a bit more rapidly after the Tories 
 could breathe freely, and were come, as nearly as 
 
l68 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 I could judge in the darkness, within two miles of 
 Wallabout, when suddenly I heard sounds as of 
 footsteps on the trail ahead of us. 
 
 I had been leading the way, with the prisoners 
 between me and Sam, who brought up the rear, 
 and it can well be su]^osed that I came to a halt 
 in short order, gripping Luther Stedman by the 
 throat as I did so. Sam did not need to be told 
 that something had given cause for alarm, and he 
 seized Ezra by the arm, leading him cautiously to 
 one side of the trail as he displayed his knife os- 
 tentatiously. 
 
 Within a dozen paces of the path I halted again, 
 trusting that the gloom of the night would shut us 
 out from view of whoever might be approaching, 
 and crept back near the trail, leaving Sam to in- 
 sure silence on the part of the prisoners, as I knew 
 he could do, otherwise blood would be spilled. 
 
 Nearer and nearer sounded the footsteps, and 
 while I was racking my brain to guess who might 
 be traveling toward the Narrows at that time of 
 night, the cause of the alarm came within view. 
 
 Just at the point where I crouched behind a 
 friendly bush the foliage of the trees was sparse, 
 and I could see against the lighter sky a form that 
 caused me to cry aloud in joy and surprise. 
 
 It was none other than Abraham Decker who 
 had sent us amid the bushes trembling with fear, 
 and the exclamation which escaped me caused him 
 to wheel about suddenly in alarm. 
 
 " Hold on, lad, don't run away like a coward ! " 
 I cried with a laugh which betokened relief of 
 mind rather than mirth, and he, recognizing my 
 voice, cried in a tone of anxiety as he came forward 
 once more: 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 1 69 
 
 " What has happened that you are here ? Where 
 is Sam? " 
 
 " Yonder, hidin' from you. We have a couple 
 of prisoners which we are takin' to the sloop, but 
 didn't count on havin' such good luck as to find 
 you." 
 
 By this time Sam came from the bushes driving 
 the Tories before him, and now it was Abe's turn 
 to cry aloud in astonishment as he recognized the 
 prisoners. 
 
 " Luther Stedman an' Ezra Billings ! How did 
 it happen that you picked up sich cattle as these? " 
 
 The story of the night's adventures was not 
 overly long as I told it, and Abe was doubled up 
 with mirth before I came to the end; but so im- 
 patient was he to understand how our comrade 
 chanced to be returning to his post of duty so soon, 
 that Sam cut short the laughter by asking: 
 
 " Didn't you go to New York ? " 
 
 " No ; there's no more wind at Wallabout than 
 can be found here, which ain't enough to float a 
 feather. Because there was little show of movin' 
 the sloop, Abel Grant proposed to row across in 
 the skiff an' make the report in my stead, seein' 
 that I didn't bring anythin' of great importance." 
 
 " Why didn't you go with him ? " I asked, just 
 a trifle impatiently, for at the instant it appeared 
 to me as if General Putnam might think we were 
 slighting our duty by thus sending a substitute with 
 the report, even though it did not appear of great 
 value in our eyes. 
 
 " You know full well, Ephraim Lyttle, that to 
 cross in the skiff to Master Dyker's dock, than walk 
 down to Bowlin' Green, an' return in the same 
 way, would mean the spendin' of twenty hours, an' 
 
170 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 if I had done so one of you must have been left 
 on the shore alone when the next messenger set 
 out." 
 
 The lad spoke truly, and I understood that his 
 had been the wisest course, but that which puzzled 
 me for the moment was what we should do. Even 
 though we had taken two prisoners, we were not 
 warranted in leaving our post of duty to carry them 
 to New York, and, besides, there was considerable 
 doubt coming up in my mind as to how General 
 Putnam might view our capturing the Tories. 
 
 It was Abraham who settled the matter, by 
 saying : 
 
 " I reckon you two had better keep on to the 
 sloop, an' wait there till Abel gets back. I'll toddle 
 along the way I started, an' you should join me 
 by noon, though it'll come a bit hard on the legs; 
 but that you can forget in view of what you've 
 escaped. When you get to the Narrows I'll be in 
 trim with whatever of importance I've scooped in." 
 
 By pursuing the course he suggested we would 
 still be following, to a certain degree, the orders 
 given by General Putnam, and at least one of us 
 could be overlooking the doings of the Britishers 
 during all the hours of daylight. 
 
 Sam agreed this was the wisest course that could 
 be pursued, and without further delay Abe went 
 on his way, after stipulating that we set out to join 
 him immediately upon Abel Grant's return from 
 New York. 
 
 We pushed on toward Wallabout with somewhat 
 lighter hearts because of knowing that there would 
 be one of our number on duty when the sun rose; 
 but I began to grow uncomfortably nervous regard- 
 ing this capture of .Tories when we had been sent 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 171 
 
 out for no other purpose than to spy upon the 
 enemy's fleet. 
 
 Very shortly afterward, as it seemed to me, my 
 mind being so engrossed with the question as to 
 whether we were doing right in taking Luther and 
 Ezra to New York that time passed rapidly, we 
 came to the shore of Wallabout bay. 
 
 It yet lacked a full hour to daybreak; but, and 
 this was a possibility I had not counted on, there 
 was no skiff near at hand by which we could board 
 the sloop. Abel Grant had taken the one owned 
 by my father, and there was none other save at 
 Sam's home. 
 
 " I reckon I shall have to go for her, though 
 my legs ache after so much walkin'," Sam said 
 grimly. " The sloop can't get in here, no matter 
 how long we wait, an' an hour from now there 
 will be more Tories around than will be pleasin' 
 to the sight." 
 
 He hurried away without loss of time, and I sat 
 down on the sand with the prisoners, relieved at 
 having got them thus near New York; but any- 
 thing rather than comfortable in mind regarding 
 the reception we might meet with from General 
 Putnam. 
 
 Sam came back with his father's skiff, and we 
 boarded the sloop without having been seen, as I 
 believed, by any enemy from the time our journey 
 was begun. 
 
 Seth Hartley did not need to be told that the 
 Tories were prisoners, after seeing that their hands 
 were tied; but he asked no questions. 
 
 " I'll have breakfast ready in short order," he 
 said, at once setting about the work, " an' I'm 
 guessin' you can get solid comfort by stretchin' out 
 
172 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 in the bunks, for you must have traveled far an' 
 fast. Did you meet Abraham ? " 
 
 I told him of our running across the lad on the 
 trail, and explained in fewest words possible why 
 we had the Tories with us, asking his advice by 
 saying : 
 
 " Sam an' I are tired, an' about that there's no 
 mistake, but we don't know how to arrange for a 
 rest without first makin' the prisoners fast in some 
 way." 
 
 " Why not give them all the cabin ? You can 
 sleep as well on deck in this weather, an' we'll 
 carry the stove into the cockpit. By makin' the 
 cuddy-hatch fast, you'll have the lads secure 
 enough." 
 
 As he proposed so we did, he having first car- 
 ried on deck all the provisions that might be needed, 
 and then Sam and I stretched ourselves out on the 
 locker in the cockpit, enjoying the chance to rest 
 our limbs as we had never enjoyed anything of the 
 kind before. 
 
 That Seth appeared to take especial care not to 
 ask any question the answer of which would give 
 information as to what we had seen or heard, I 
 set down to a desire that he might not be suspected 
 of betraying secrets, therefore took good heed to 
 avoid speaking of what had been done, save in a 
 general manner ; but my mind was so full of anxiety 
 regarding our right to take prisoners that I could 
 not but give words to the thought. 
 
 " I don't understand how you could have done 
 different than bring the lads here," the marine said 
 thoughtfully. " Settin' them free would only have 
 been to offer another chance for workin' mischief." 
 
 I did not expect he could set all my doubts at 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 1 73 
 
 rest, therefore this answer satisfied me, and I put 
 the matter from my mind in order the better to en- 
 joy that which was at hand. 
 
 Verily the food was dehcious on that morning, 
 and we ate of it — Sam and I, like lads who had 
 been fasting eight and forty hours. Then, after 
 suggesting that it be done, Seth carried into the 
 cuddy a plentiful breakfast, with cold water in 
 abundance, and after closing the hatch again and 
 fastening it with the iron bolt made for that pur- 
 pose, he said : 
 
 " You lads may sleep now, trustin' that your 
 prisoners won't be tampered with by me. I have 
 never had any love for Tories, believin' the people 
 of a colony should hang together at a time like this, 
 for men that will work harm to neighbors in favor 
 of a king they've never seen an' who doesn't give a 
 rap whether they live or die, are poor cattle." 
 
 " We're not a little bit afraid you'll do anythin' 
 that ain't straight an' above-board," Sam said sleep- 
 ily, and then, rolling himself into a more comforta- 
 ble position on the locker, the lad's eyes closed in 
 slumber. 
 
 Within a couple of minutes I followed his ex- 
 ample, and when next I was conscious of my sur- 
 roundings, Abel Grant stood looking down into the 
 cuddy as if in there was to be seen some strange 
 animal. 
 
 It goes without saying that I was called upon to 
 relate the whole story immediately he saw my eyes 
 were open ; but I refused to begin until after he had 
 told us of his trip to New York, and Seth aroused 
 Sam that he might hear the conversation. 
 
 "There's nothin' to be told, lad," Abel Grant 
 said irritably, for he was in a hurry to hear how we 
 
174 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 had got hold of Luther and Ezra. " I repeated all 
 that Abraham told me, an' explained to the gen- 
 eral why one of you Minute Boys hadn't made the 
 report. He allowed it was jest as well for me to 
 come, an' much the same as said he was expectin' 
 the Britishers would begin landin' men on the Long 
 Island shore mighty soon. It's the early news of 
 anythin' like that he wants, an' I'm told to say 
 you're to count the minutes precious till he's been 
 told. I didn't stay above five minutes at head- 
 quarters, so that's all there is to my yarn. Now 
 let me have yours." 
 
 I wasn't chary of going into the details when I 
 told of how Sam and I had been captured, and the 
 way in which we had turned the tables. The story 
 was a long one, and when finally I was come to 
 the end Abel asked like a simple : 
 
 " Wa'al, now what'er you goin' to do with 'em? " 
 " Deliver them over to General Putnam." 
 " Do you know that he wants 'em? " 
 " I reckon that can soon be learned. At all events, 
 if we're to be of any service spyin' upon the fleet, 
 they can't be left at liberty, otherwise the Minute 
 Boys will wind up their career in prison aboard one 
 of the king's ships." 
 
 " You're right in that, lad, an' I was a fool for 
 askin' the question. I'm allowin' you'll start for 
 the Narrows agin' 'long 'bout sundown ? " 
 
 I explained that Abraham would leave his post 
 of duty when the night was so far come that it 
 would not be possible to see anything on the op- 
 posite shore, and we would be there to take his 
 place at sunrise. 
 
 " Then it'll be him who'll deliver the prisoners 
 to the general. We're goin' to have quite a stiff 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 17S 
 
 little breeze to-night, 'cordin' to all the signs, an' 
 I can set him across in short order after he comes 
 aboard." 
 
 Abel appeared to think there was nothing further 
 to be said about the prisoners, and we talked of 
 what the American troops were doing in the way of 
 making ready for an attack upon the town, until 
 Seth had another hearty meal ready for our eating. 
 
 When due attention had been given to this, Sam 
 and I were set ashore in the skiff by Seth, and our 
 return journey was begun. 
 
 It would have pleased both of us to visit our 
 parents ; but because of having brought in the pris- 
 oners it seemed like too much of a risk, owing to 
 the fact that if any of our Tory neighbors became 
 aware of our stopping at home for ever so short a 
 time, it might be set down as proof that Master 
 Garratt and father had had some hand in the cap- 
 ture of Luther and Ezra. 
 
 " We can't afford to take the chances," Sam said 
 as he looked longingly in the direction of home, 
 and then set his face resolutely toward the trail, I 
 following in his footsteps. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 
 
 Fortune favored us on this tramp across the is- 
 land. We met with no person, either enemy or 
 friend, owing to the fact of our avoiding the high- 
 ways, and within two miles of the spot we had se- 
 lected in which to do our spyin' came across Abra- 
 ham on his way to the sloop. 
 
 It was much like finding a needle in a hay-stack, 
 this meeting him in the thicket by accident, and I 
 hailed it as a good augury for the future, causing 
 Abraham to laugh heartily when the thought was 
 put into words. 
 
 " It's like all of these ' good luck signs,' brought 
 about by intention. I have had my ears open for 
 you lads from the time of settin' out, an', with a 
 fair idea of the course that would naturally be fol- 
 lowed, it might have been more strange had we not 
 come together." 
 
 " Have you anythin' of importance to report ? " 
 
 " No ; everythin' is much as when you left. The 
 Britishers seem to be makin' good headway with 
 their boat-buildin', an' are workin' like beavers. So 
 far as I could make out they're not spendin' much 
 time tryin' to learn what our people are doin', which 
 is accounted for by the fact of their bein' in such 
 
 176 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 1 77 
 
 force that it seems like an easy task to overcome us 
 when the preparations have been made." 
 
 Then Abe asked concerning what we had done 
 with the prisoners, and, promising to return at the 
 earUest possible moment to set my mind at rest re- 
 garding what General Putnam might say about our 
 tackling Tories when we were ordered to spy upon 
 the enemy, continued on his way, halting an instant 
 later to cry out : 
 
 " I found a snug place in which to hide. Look 
 Just under the hill for a hole ! " 
 
 We were at a loss to understand his meaning until 
 having arrived at what we considered our station, 
 and then we found what might be called a cave, al- 
 thotigh in reality it was nothing better than a place 
 hollowed out by the water. It would serve to screen 
 us from view of any who might creep up as Luther 
 and Ezra had done, however, and we counted it a 
 fortunate find. 
 
 Abraham had evidently spent no little time in 
 making the place take on something of the appear- 
 ence of a habitation, and Sam said in a tone of con- 
 tent as he seated himself on a big rock at the very 
 edge of the hole, where could be had a clear view of 
 the opposite shore: 
 
 " I wonder you an' I didn't think of huntin' for 
 somethin' like this, Eph! We can be as snug as 
 bugs in a rug here, an' I'm allowin' we'd be well 
 sheltered in case of a shower. Besides, it's not such 
 a bad place in which to sleep, an' seein's how there's 
 nothin' for us to do 'twixt now an' daylight, why 
 not turn in, for one must travel to Wallabout an' 
 back when another night has come ? " 
 
 I was not inclined for sleep just then, having 
 had my fill during the day; but because of the op- 
 
178 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 portunity I stretched myself at full length on the 
 sand, and speculated as to what we Minute Boys 
 might yet be able to do in the way of proving our- 
 selves capable of playing the part of men, until my 
 eyes finally closed in slumber. 
 
 When I awakened the day was just breaking, and, 
 arousing Sam, we two crept down to the water's 
 edge where we washed our hands and faces, a most 
 pleasing duty because of the heat, which promised to 
 be great before noon. Then we ate from the store 
 of food brought from Master Onderdonk's, which 
 was yet quite considerable, and settled down for a 
 dreary time of watching. 
 
 The red-coats were at work on the unwieldy 
 barges when it was possible for us to distinguish 
 objects on the opposite shore, and I had no doubt 
 but that they had spent the night at the same task. 
 So far as we could judge, those on the fleet had 
 nothing better to do than idle the time away, and 
 there was but little movement in the encampment. 
 
 The forenoon was no more than half spent when, 
 to our great surprise, Abraham suddenly appeared 
 before the entrance to our cave, having approached 
 so noiselessly that we had no hint of his coming. 
 
 " Yes, I made good time," he said in reply to my 
 exclamation, throwing himself down on the sand 
 as if weary to the verge of exhaustion. " I am al- 
 lowin' that one of you will go with the next re- 
 port, an' I can stay here until my legs are in better 
 shape, for they are numb with much walkin'." 
 
 "But what about the prisoners?" I asked, irri- 
 tated because he had not begun at once to tell the 
 story, and he replied carelessly, as if the matter was 
 of but little importance: 
 
 " Oh, they are all right ; Lieutenant Winterbot- 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 179 
 
 torn has the curs in charge, an' will turn them over 
 to the magistrate." 
 
 " The magistrate? " I repeated. " What has the 
 city authorities to dd with them? Aren't they 
 prisoners of war ? " 
 
 " I could not well make out the drift of the talk 
 between the lieutenant and General Putnam ; but the 
 way it appeared to me was that they allowed the 
 Tories couldn't be held by the army, since they were 
 not soldiers, an' — Well, the fact of the matter is, 
 Eph, I don't understand it myself, save that they 
 are to be charged with makin' an assault on you and 
 Sam, an' the lieutenant will see to it they are held 
 in custody until you two can be there to appear 
 against 'em, which means that they're safe in jail." 
 
 " Did the general make any complaint because 
 of our capturin' 'em? " Sam asked. 
 
 " It looked to me as if he took it as a matter of 
 course, knowin' you couldn't spy on the fleet an' 
 have them hangin' 'round makin' trouble. Luther 
 was chafin' a good bit under the collar when I left 
 him; but Ezra's more of a decent fellow, an' says 
 he won't forget how you treated him in the matter 
 of the gag. The most important news I've brought 
 is that we needn't make a daily trip to New York 
 unless there's some decided move on the part of the 
 enemy. What we're really here for, is to get word 
 into New York as soon as possible after they start 
 to make a landin', an' because of the orders given, 
 the sloop will be off Red Hook from now on, so's 
 to save us a journey to Wallabout." 
 
 This was good news indeed, for that tramp across 
 the island at night was no little of a hardship, and 
 when there was nothing new of which to make re- 
 port, it seemed to me useless. 
 
l8o THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Abraham had brought with him an additional 
 supply of provisions, together with a jug in which 
 we could keep fresh water, and by the time the 
 stores were packed away and the bottom of the 
 cave smoothed off somewhat, we were, as I looked 
 upon the matter, very comfortably fixed for three 
 lads who were supposed to be doing military duty. 
 
 And now, because of there being nothing of in- 
 terest to tell concerning ourselves, I propose to pass 
 over without a word all that time when we remained 
 in hiding, as it were, until the moment came that we 
 had information in plenty for General Putnam. 
 
 Being able to keep a supply of water on hand, it 
 was only necessary for us to leave our hiding place 
 at such times as the stores ran low, and, conse- 
 quently, we had no fear of being seen by enemies 
 on land, while it was an easy matter to remain 
 hidden from view of those who passed on the water. 
 
 Then came the moment when the British forces 
 were put in motion, and the serious part of our 
 work was begun. Three of the ships, and we came 
 afterward to know that they were the Phoenix, the 
 Rose, and the Greyhound, with two bomb-boats, 
 put off from Staten Island early in the morning 
 of the 22nd of August, and at the same time we 
 could see troops going on board the unwieldy scows 
 that had been building. 
 
 On that morning I had awakened just at break of 
 day, and stood leisurely looking out from the mouth 
 of the cave until, the vapors of the night lifting, 
 showed this portion of the British fleet in motion. 
 It can well be understood that I lost no time in 
 arousing my companions. 
 
 " I reckon it's a case of settin' out for Red Hook 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. l8l 
 
 as soon as may be, lads ! " I cried. " The Britishers 
 are making a move." 
 
 Short though the time was before Abraham and 
 Sam stood near me loolcing out over the water, the 
 three ships had already gotten under way, and I 
 believed we should set off on the instant to find 
 Abel Grant, for this was that movement which we 
 had been detailed to watch. 
 
 Fortunately Abraham had sharper wit, and when 
 I excitedly urged that he start on the journey with- 
 out a second's delay, he said, quietly pointing to the 
 flatboats which were anchored off-shore and being 
 rapidly filled with troops and guns : 
 
 " Wait until we see in which direction yonder 
 red-coats are goin', for I rgckon the general wants 
 that information as well." 
 
 " Suppose I start off ahead to search for Abel 
 Grant nearabout Gowanus bay, an' by the time he 
 has pulled inshore you will most likely have come," 
 Sam cried. 
 
 Abraham favored this proposition ; but looked to 
 me as the leader to give the word, and Sam set off at 
 once. 
 
 Now it was reasonable to suppose that there were 
 others who had been sent down by General Putnam 
 for the purpose of giving timely warning of this 
 movement; but that was no affair of ours, save that 
 I burned to be the first who should arrive with the 
 tidings, and waited with an impatience amounting 
 almost to ill temper, until the ships that were under 
 way came to an anchor in Gravesend bay, and Abra- 
 ham said, as if well versed in all the arts of war- 
 fare: 
 
 " Now do we know the whole story, lad. I have 
 
1 82 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 counted eighteen of yonder flatboats that, well filled 
 with soldiers, are bein' brought out from their an- 
 chorage, an' these ships have come across to cover 
 their landin'. Look! All the troops appear to be 
 in motion ; the encampment is broken up, an' we may 
 count on it that within the next two or three hours 
 the force yonder will be on Long Island." 
 
 Now he was as eager as I to be off, and, leaving 
 all our little belongings in the cave, thinking only 
 of getting on board the sloop in the shortest pos- 
 sible space of time, we set out at full speed, regard- 
 less of whether Tory eyes beheld us or not, striking 
 straight across to Yellow Hook, and from there 
 along the line of the shore so that we might catch 
 the first glimpse of the Swiftsure. 
 
 " We've got a good wind for the voyage, and 
 if so be our admiral don't delay us by havin' changed 
 anchor-ground, we may possibly get ahead of any 
 others who have been sent here for the same purpose 
 as we," Abe cried eagerly as we ran. 
 
 That the Tories on the island were well aware 
 of the intended movement we could well understand 
 as we pressed forward swiftly, for we met parties 
 of two or three coming out from the. thicket in every 
 direction, like flies who have scented molasses, and 
 more than one of the scoundrels gave chase to us as 
 if knowing on what errand we were bound; but our 
 anxiety to be the first in New York with the news, 
 as well as the fear of capture, lent such fleetness to 
 our feet that pursuit would have been useless save 
 by mounted men. 
 
 Fortune surely favored us in our efforts, for after 
 passing the bend at Yellow Hook, leaving the high- 
 way on our right and keeping close to the edge of 
 the shore, we saw the sloop standing down upon us. 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 183 
 
 while Sam was but a short distance away waving 
 his cap vigorously. 
 
 Seth Hartley pushed off in the skiff, bringing us 
 aboard when the sloop was well in, and we waded 
 down into the water waist-deep to clamber on board, 
 so that a few seconds of time might be saved. 
 
 Then, once alongside the Swiftsure, and even be- 
 fore the skiff had been made fast, Abel put the sloop 
 about, headed for New York, while we jumped 
 down on the halliards and set the canvas yet more 
 smoothly, counting thus to get every ounce of wind 
 that might come our way. 
 
 " I believe we're the first off," Abel said in a 
 tone of exultation as he scanned the surrounding 
 waters without seeing other craft nearabout. " By 
 comin' down shore we've gained a good two hours 
 an' a half of time, therefore you Minute Boys should 
 make the best showing of all the spies that have 
 been loiterin' on Long Island since the British fleet 
 came into the bay ! " 
 
 " And how many others, think you, have been 
 engaged in the same task ? " I asked. 
 
 " Well, judgin' from what I'd do if I was Gen- 
 eral Putnam, the shore must have been pretty thickly 
 lined with them, because no dozen men could keep 
 watch of all the likely landing-places." 
 
 The sloop was tended as never before since hav- 
 ing been launched, and the helmsman did not allow 
 his eyes to wander in any direction, but kept them 
 on that point toward which we were headed, lest 
 peradventure we might lose a few yards in distance 
 that could otherwise have been saved. 
 
 The wind was abeam, and of sufficient strength 
 to send the little craft through the water with a 
 good-sized bone in her teeth, we all the while keep- 
 
184 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 ing jealous watch for any who might be putting out 
 from the island. 
 
 When we were come off Governor's Island the 
 men in the fortification there, seeing us straining 
 every effort to get the best speed out of our craft, 
 must have guessed somewhat of our purpose, and 
 would have brought us to, that we might answer 
 their questions. We were not minded, however, to 
 tell of what we had seen to any save General Put- 
 nam, and kept on our way, evidently much to their 
 anger, for one man went so far as to point a gun 
 at Abel Grant, shouting words we could not dis- 
 tinguish, but which were probably an order for us 
 to heave to without delay. 
 
 " It'll take more'n a musket ball to stop this 'ere 
 craft," Abel Grant said laughing, and verily I be- 
 lieve the possibility of danger only served to raise 
 his spirits. 
 
 It was low tide when we crossed the river, run- 
 ning the course from the outermost end of Gov- 
 ernor's Island to the battery on Bowling Green as 
 straight as might be, and then it was possible for us 
 to see the long spikes driven in the booms of logs, 
 making a regular set of porcupine quills, which were 
 anchored just below the surface to prevent the enemy 
 from getting up to the city on that side. 
 
 We did not give much heed to them at the time, 
 for our desires outran even the speed of the sloop, 
 and at risk of staving the bow in, Abel Grant run 
 her up to the bulkhead in front of the battery, I 
 leaping ashore at the very moment she struck. 
 
 Arrived at headquarters, breathless and excited, 
 boiling with the hope that I was the first to bring the 
 news, it was as if no sentry had been placed there, 
 for I failed to hear the man challenge me when I 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 1 85 
 
 darted past to enter the building, but before he 
 could overtake me, for he did not dare to shoot, I 
 had forced open the outer door, and an instant later 
 stood in front of General Putnam. 
 
 He was busily engaged with three other officers; 
 but instead of losing his temper because of my un- 
 ceremonious entrance, asked hurriedly as he leaped 
 to his feet: 
 
 " Has the enemy begun to make a landing? " 
 
 " Ay, sir, and in Gravesend bay. We waited 
 long enough to see three ships and two bomb-boats 
 coming to anchor just off the shore, an' no less than 
 twenty flatboats filled with soldiers had left their 
 moorings, bein' towed across. The other scows 
 were takin' the men as fast as possible." 
 
 " How long since this was begun ? " 
 
 " We saw the first movement at daybreak ; but 
 waited until the ships had come to anchor in the 
 bay before leavin'." 
 
 " How does it happen that you have been able 
 to get here so quickly?" the general asked, much 
 as if misdoubting the correctness of my report. 
 
 Hurriedly I explained why we were enabled to 
 get aboard the sloop so quickly, and as for the pos- 
 sibilities of our making the trip in quick time, he 
 could see for himself by glancing out at the trees 
 which were bending under the weight of the fresh 
 breeze. 
 
 " You have done well, my lad. Where is your 
 sloop now ? " 
 
 " Just here at the battery bulkhead, sir, an' all our 
 company are aboard." 
 
 " Hold her there until you get further orders 
 from Lieutenant Winterbottom. How many men 
 will she carry? " 
 
l86 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Thirty, perhaps, if you stow them snugly, and 
 are not afraid of overloadin'." 
 
 The general turned his back on me to speak with 
 the ofificers at the table, and I waited, not knowing 
 whether the interview was at an end, mayhap four 
 or five minutes, when in the midst of giving hur- 
 ried orders to the aides who came pouring in as 
 if well aware of what news I brought, he chanced to 
 see me again, when he said in a friendly tone; but 
 speaking so rapidly as to show he had no time to 
 waste : 
 
 " You may go to your sloop, lad. There is noth- 
 ing further to be said until you hear from me again." 
 
 I hurried out, and was no more than in the open 
 air when the sentry whom I had eluded caught 
 me by the collar, as he asked sharply : 
 
 " Are the British landed, lad? " 
 
 I was in doubt as to whether it was right to sat- 
 isfy his curiosity, and he, understanding why I de- 
 layed in answering, shook me playfully, as he said : 
 
 " There can be no harm dope by your talkin', 
 if such be the case, for it must all be known in a 
 few minutes." 
 
 " They are comin' ashore at Gravesend bay," I 
 replied, and as he released his hold I ran across the 
 Green, avoiding as best I might those men who 
 would have stopped me, for it appeared that all 
 who were nearabout when I ran so swiftly to head- 
 quarters, had an inkling of what was my purpose. 
 
 The sloop was made fast to the bulkhead when I 
 gained the Vv^ater's edge, and not less than an hun- 
 dred stood nearby, nearly all of them soldiers in 
 uniform, who were questioning my comrades as to 
 the cause of our coming. 
 
 Abel had refused to answer any questions what- 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 187 
 
 soever until he saw by my return that our report 
 had been made, and then he gratified the curiosity 
 of the by-standers in so far as he beheved was right. 
 
 Before half an hour had passed we learned that 
 troops had been sent over to the island day after day 
 until the greater portion of our army was ready to 
 meet the invader; but there yet remained so many 
 in New York that the wonder to me was how they 
 might be ferried across, until I saw the whale-boats, 
 skiffs, sloops, and every kind of a craft that could 
 be mustered, gathering nearabout where we were 
 moored. 
 
 All was bustle and seeming confusion for an hour 
 or more, and then as rapidly as might be these boats 
 which had been gathered so suddenly, and it seemed 
 to me mysteriously until I learned that the greater 
 number of them had been kept under waiting or- 
 ders, were loaded to the gunwales one by one with 
 men, after which they set off for the opposite shore 
 without heed to either military or naval formation. 
 
 Then Lieutenant Winterbottom came down hur- 
 riedly with orders for us to pull around to Peck's 
 Slip, and wait there for General Putnam and his 
 staff. 
 
 " Their horses have already been taken across in 
 a flatboat, therefore you will have no difficulty in 
 ferrying them. Once they are landed, the orders 
 are that the sloop ply back and forth carrying who- 
 soever may apply for passage, and this you are to 
 do so long as any soldiers remain on this side desir- 
 ing to cross." 
 
 When we had worked the sloop around to the 
 slip we saw nearby fifteen or twenty casks of sea- 
 bread, made of pease meal, hard as flint, and I no- 
 ticed that as each man passed he took as many as 
 
l88 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 could be carried conveniently, whereupon I asked 
 Abel Grant if he believed such as that was the only 
 food our soldiers would carry with them. 
 
 " It's a good deal more'n some of 'em will want 
 within an hour after the battle has been opened," 
 he said grimly, and, strange though it may seem, 
 this remark of his caused me to realize more keenly 
 than I had done since we banded ourselves together 
 as Minute Boys, that we were about to know the 
 meaning of the word " war." 
 
 Even here at Peck's Slip were other boats being 
 laden with heavy, living cargoes, and as each craft 
 started the men on board cheered lustily as if bound 
 on some pleasure excursion, while I asked myself 
 with an inward shudder how many might be alive 
 or dead when the sun had set. 
 
 General Putnam and his staff arrived \ ery shortly 
 after we were ready to receive them. Once they 
 had been taken across we found ourselves with 
 ample work to do, for no sooner had we ferried one 
 load than another was ready to be taken on board, 
 and all the while we expected each instant to hear 
 the booming of cannon which would tell that the 
 battle had begun. 
 
 Not until night had fully come were we done with 
 our task as ferrymen, and then was the sloop tied 
 up at Peck's Slip, for we had no further word as to 
 what might be expected of us. 
 
 Lieutenant Winterbottom had gone over with 
 General Putnam, and all the order he gave was 
 such as has already been set down here, therefore 
 we were in no little bewilderment as to our proper 
 course of action. 
 
 " Accordin' to my reckonin' we're bound to lay 
 here till mornin', an' then if so be there are left anv 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 189 
 
 soldiers to go across, we'll continue the work," Abel 
 Grant said by way of ending the discussion which 
 had arisen among us. " If the lieutenant wants us, 
 failin' to find the sloop on the other side, he's got 
 sense enough to understand she would be here, 
 therefore can he get us word whenever it pleases 
 him." 
 
 We were standing on deck while speculating as 
 to what should be done, and I called the attention 
 of my comrades to the number of people on the 
 street, saying: 
 
 " After so many have crossed, it would seem as 
 if there could not be a man left in the town." 
 
 " I'm allowin' that pretty nigh all here are them 
 as hope the red-coats will swallow us up as com- 
 pletely as the whale did Jonah, for it stands to rea- 
 son that every able-bodied man who wanted to, an' 
 could, get away, would be on yonder shore, knowin' 
 as all our people must that every arm is needed," 
 Abel Grant said, and I fancied for an instant that he 
 was reproving us Minute Boys for thus playing the 
 part of ferrymen when we should be carrying mus- 
 kets. 
 
 " No, no, I don't mean that, lad,'' he said quickly 
 when I put into words my thoughts. " You are 
 already in the service, an' actin' under orders, conse- 
 quently, as I look at the matter, have no right to 
 leave this 'ere sloop until word has been given. It 
 makes an honest man's blood boil to see so many 
 who should be defendin' their homes, walkin' to and 
 fro with the hope that the enemy can do as he 
 pleases." 
 
 " There are two who can't at all events," Sam 
 said with a laugh, " an' they are Luther Stedman 
 an' Ezra Billings. I wonder how those precious 
 
IQO THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Tories are enjoyin' themselves about this time?" 
 
 " It may be they'll gain their liberty sooner than 
 we count on, for if the British take this town they 
 will of course set free such as them," I began, and 
 stopped very suddenly at that point, for not above 
 an hundred paces distant, walking along the water 
 front as if searching for some one, was none other 
 than Luther Stedman himself ! 
 
 So amazed was I at the knowledge that he whom 
 we had believed was being kept where he could do 
 no further mischief, had liberty to walk the streets, 
 that I stood in open-mouthed astonishment staring 
 at him, and one by one my companions followed the 
 direction of my gaze, each in turn giving vent to an 
 exclamation of anger and of astonishment. 
 
 Whether the villainous cur saw us or not I am 
 unable to say, although in view of what happened 
 am I inclined to the belief that he recognized the 
 sloop even before we were aware of his presence. 
 Certain it is, however, that he walked leisurely along 
 the street, ceasing now to gaze on either side, but 
 apparently intent only on gaining such exercise as 
 might be possible from a leisurely stroll, and we 
 four, for Seth Hartley joined with us in our in- 
 dignation, watched the fellow until he was lost to 
 view in the distance, when Abel Grant cried in a 
 tone of anger: 
 
 " It seems that such high and mighty officers as 
 Lieutenant Winterbottom have little care whether 
 common people like us come to grief or not! It 
 was no more work for him to keep those Tories in 
 jail than to set them free, an' the wonder of it is 
 that we were not attacked while on duty at the Nar- 
 rows." 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 191 
 
 " But why did he allow them their liberty ? " I 
 asked, and Abel replied bitterly: 
 
 " Because there are some in this 'ere army of 
 ours who don't attend to their duty." 
 
 We were too thoroughly stupefied to discuss the 
 matter, and as if with one accord went below, where 
 we sat in silence for an hour or more, until Abel 
 Grant said curtly: 
 
 " If there's a cook aboard this 'ere craft, I'm 
 thinkin' we'd best have somethin' to eat, for if work 
 is to be done to-morrow we must turn in an' get 
 a bit of rest." 
 
 My heart was very bitter when I lay down in the 
 bunk that night, and the thought that Lieutenant 
 Winterbottom, who had seemingly been a friend, 
 should have so far neglected us as to allow these 
 Tories their liberty at a time when they might do 
 us grievous injury, kept slumber from my eyelids 
 until a late hour. 
 
 Next morning at the break of day we were hailed 
 by the sergeant in command of a squad of men, who 
 claimed to have direct orders from the lieutenant 
 that they be taken across to Brooklyn in the sloop, 
 and from that hour until the sun set again we had 
 little opportunity to dwell upon our fancied wrongs. 
 
 And yet during all this day, when it had seemed 
 as if we were on the eve of battle, no sound was 
 heard betokening activity of the enemy. 
 
 Had I not seen them with my own eyes, I should 
 have doubted whether the information that they 
 were landed could have been correct, and even as it 
 was I questioned whether they might not have gone 
 back, until late in the afternoon while we were 
 lying on Long Island side, some of our people told 
 
192 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 of a skirmish that had taken place near Bennett's 
 Cove, when four Americans were wounded. 
 
 It was not an engagement in any sense of the 
 word; but blood had been spilled, and those who, 
 like myself, were beginning to question whether the 
 enemy intended to make an attack, no longer 
 doubted but that the critical time must be near at 
 hand. 
 
 We did not see Lieutenant Winterbottom during 
 this day; but just at nightfall a messenger came 
 from Flatbush Pass with an order from the lieu- 
 tenant that we moor the sloop off the ferry-landing 
 on the Brooklyn side, there to await further com- 
 mands. 
 
 This same man told us that there had been some 
 skirmishing between our advance guard and those 
 of the British; that Colonel Marton of the New 
 Jersey Levies had been seriously wounded, and Mas- 
 ter Rutgers, whom all us lads knew well, was 
 killed. 
 
 When we had anchored our boat in accordance 
 with the commands received, perhaps fifty yards 
 from the shore, and were all thoroughly tired with 
 the exercise of working the craft from early dawn 
 without a moment for rest, save such as could be had 
 while we were standing to and fro across the river, 
 Abel Grant said as if it was a matter of not overly 
 much importance : 
 
 " I'm allowin' that all hands can't afford to turn 
 in to-night ; no one may say when the bloomin' Brit- 
 ishers will take it into their heads to make an attack, 
 an' it would be a pretty kettle of fish if we should be 
 found asleep when most sorely needed." 
 
 " There's no need of so many words about it, 
 if you count on our standin' guard from now till 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. I93 
 
 mornin'," Abraham said petulantly, and as a mat- 
 ter of fact the temper of our crew had been sorely 
 tried that day by the fault-finding of those who 
 called themselves soldiers, and yet had never smelled 
 burning powder. " Say what you want done, an' 
 we'll come up to the scratch." 
 
 " Then I'm allowin' that Seth an' I'll stand our 
 trick from now until midnight. Ephraim an' Abe 
 are to take the next turn until four o'clock, when 
 Sam, who professes to be the cook, shall come on 
 an' make breakfast ready." 
 
 It was a matter of indifference to me, this setting 
 a watch. I did not believe any such precaution 
 was needed, yet at the same time had no intention 
 of running counter to the admiral's plans when they 
 concerned the handling of the sloop. 
 
 I was dissatisfied with myself because we three 
 lads, who had counted so eagerly on being able to 
 do important work as Minute Boys, were come down 
 to playing ferrymen for a lot of half-baked soldiers 
 who had more of insolence than patriotism in their 
 hearts, and when Sam accused me of being sore- 
 headed, I told him that which was in my mind, 
 whereupon he said laughingly : 
 
 " I'm allowin' we lads have considerable to learn 
 about war, an' perhaps we shall yet have all the 
 chance we want of bein' shot at. Yesterday 
 mornin' it seemed certain to me that a battle was 
 comin' off within an hour or two, an' up to this 
 time, except for a couple of skirmishes, nothin' 
 has been done. Our turn will come later." 
 
 " Yes, when there's no opportunity to win any 
 honor," I said bitterly, and then threw myself down 
 in the bunk refusing to speak another word. 
 
 Half an hour later, perhaps, Abraham and Sam 
 
194 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 followed my example, and, seeing that we had com- 
 posed ourselves for sleep, Abel Grant and Seth went 
 on deck, there to keep what I believed to be a use- 
 less watch. 
 
 Because of the dissatisfaction in my mind con- 
 cerning the release of the Tories and our being made 
 to play so poor a part when we should have been in 
 the field as soldiers, slumber did not come readily 
 to my eyelids, and it must have been well to mid- 
 night before I finally lost myself in Dreamland, only 
 to be aroused a moment later, as it seemed to me, 
 by a noise as if of a terrible struggle on deck, 
 wherein men were striving for the mastery, or for 
 life. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE ATTACK. 
 
 The noise of the conflict on deck, for conflict it 
 surely was, had aroused Abraham at about the same 
 moment I was brought to a realization that there 
 was trouble afoot, and he stood staring stupidly 
 around, not having shaken off the unconscious- 
 ness of slumber when I ran against him in my 
 haste. 
 
 " What is it? " Sam asked, suddenly rising in his 
 bunk, and I replied while grouping around in the 
 darkness for something which would serve as a 
 weapon : 
 
 " There's trouble on deck, an' no time to be 
 lost here talkin' about it." 
 
 The first object with which my hand came in 
 contact was the unloaded musket that had been laid 
 on top of the stores so it might not come to harm, 
 and with this held by the muzzle, in order to use it 
 as a club, I ran out of the cuddy, finding it difficult 
 for an instant to understand what was going on. It 
 seemed to me as if the deck and cockpit of the sloop 
 were thronged with people, all of whom appeared to 
 be fighting desperately, and, at the same time, as 
 nearly in silence as was possible. 
 
 I could distinguish no face; make out no familiar 
 form for several seconds, and as I stood there with 
 195 
 
196 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the musket half-upraised, Sam pushed past me into 
 the very thick of the gathering. 
 
 Quicker witted than I, the lad had understood 
 in an instant what should be done, and went as if led 
 by instinct to the spot where he was most needed. 
 
 I saw him pick up from the deck as he ran what 
 appeared to be a capstan-bar belonging to some 
 large vessel, and swinging this about his head even 
 as I stood there gazing about stupidly, he brought 
 it down upon the skull of a fellow who, with a naked 
 knife between his teeth, was at that instant coming 
 over the rail to add to the press of numbers which 
 had already seemingly taken possession of our ves- 
 sel. 
 
 Then it was that I became able to distinguish 
 the different forms in the darkness, and saw that 
 from two boats alongside men were making an at- 
 tenjpt to gain a foothold on the Swiftsure's deck, al- 
 there was no further room for a single one. 
 
 Then I made out the figures of Abel and Sam 
 standing back to back, the first using the tiller as a 
 weapon, and the other fighting, back with bare 
 knuckles two ruffians who were close upon him with 
 knives. 
 
 By this time I had gathered myself sufficiently to 
 be able to render some service, and brought down 
 the butt of the musket upon one scoundrel's head 
 with such force that I could count on his being out 
 of the battle many hours to come, if not forever. 
 
 The one thought in my mind was that the British 
 had taken our people in Brooklyn by surprise, and 
 this intended capture of the sloop was but a portion 
 of their plan of action. There was fierce delight in 
 my heart at the idea of thus being able to strike a 
 blow against the red-coats, when it had seemed as 
 
" Men were making an attempt to gain a foot- 
 hold ON THE SWIFTSURE'S DECK." 
 
THE ATTACK. 197 
 
 if the orders given by Lieutenant Winterbottom 
 ruled us out of any honorable share of the work. 
 
 After this it would be impossible for me to set 
 down of my own knowledge all that occurred dur- 
 ing the next ten or fifteen minutes, for I knew little 
 else save the fact that I was straining every nerve 
 and muscle to beat back those who had already 
 boarded the sloop, and at the same time prevent 
 others from taking their places. 
 
 We were beset on either side and from the bow, 
 showing that no less than three boat-loads of scoun- 
 drels had come to overpower our crew of five, and 
 this in itself was sufficient to lend me fictitious 
 strength, at the same time that it took away in a 
 measure all sense of pain, or of fear, when I was 
 struck, as frequently happened, heavy blows upon 
 the body which had missed my head. 
 
 And during all this time our enemy had fought 
 silently; but it did not occur to me as strange until 
 the thought came that they feared to make a noise 
 lest our friends on shore should hear and come to 
 the rescue, and yet, if it was a party of British whom 
 we were opposing, how could they have put off 
 while we were at anchor without first having over- 
 come those Americans who were stationed near the 
 ferry- way ? 
 
 I made no outcry, simply because it did not occur 
 to me that it would be of any avail to raise my voice, 
 so firmly was it fixed in my mind that we were en- 
 tirely cut off from our friends. 
 
 There was little time to speculate upon anything 
 of this kind. That which I have set down ran 
 through my mind rather as the lightning flashes 
 through black clouds, and is gone on the instant. 
 
 During every moment I was obliged to exert all 
 
igS THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 my skill and strength to save my life, for these fel- 
 lows who had come aboard were bent on killing, 
 and that seemed their first purpose, even though the 
 capture of the sloop might be the secondary reason 
 for the attack. 
 
 Once I beat off with the butt of the musket a man 
 who had a knife so near my heart that the skin was 
 cut ever so slightly, and yet until the battle was 
 over I had no idea the weapon had even penetrated 
 my clothing. 
 
 At almost the same moment another member of 
 the gang came lurching forward as if bent only on 
 my downfall, and as I wheeled to receive him, 
 swinging the gun sideways because there was no 
 time to raise it above my head, I saw before me the 
 villainous face of Luther Stedman. Then did I 
 understand in a twinkling the meaning of the at- 
 tack, of the silence which had been preserved 
 throughout the fight, and of the eagerness to put an 
 end to us ; but I did not realize at that moment why 
 he had brought so many for so slight a task. 
 
 As our eyes met I believed the fellow had been 
 searching for me, although one would not have sup- 
 posed that, on so small a field as the deck of the 
 Swiftsure, he would have been forced to hunt about 
 many seconds. I saw, even amid the gloom, an ex- 
 pression of satisfaction come over his face, and I 
 clutched the musket yet more firmly, supposing he 
 was about to attack me. 
 
 He proved himself to be the veriest cur, how- 
 ever, for instead of tackling me himself, and we 
 were about evenly matched in respect to weight and 
 height, the cowardly Tory backed to the starboard 
 rail, where he called for some of his following who 
 
THE ATTACK. 1 99 
 
 yet remained in one of the boats alongside, to come 
 aboard that he might show them the one who was 
 to be especially cared for. 
 
 It seemed therefore that I was the one member 
 of the sloop's crew Luther Stedman was particularly 
 looking for, and I did not need to be told that if 
 he ever again succeeded in getting me in his power, 
 I would suffer to the full extent of his ability be- 
 cause of having twice got the better of him or his 
 plans. Even at the moment when all was turmoil, 
 and those whom Luther had summoned were com- 
 ing in over the rail to attack me, I asked myself 
 for the second time how it was he had succeeded in 
 regaining his liberty when common prudence de- 
 manded that he be held in custody, at least during 
 such time as we Minute Boys were spying upon 
 the British fleet. 
 
 As Luther's hirelings rushed upon me, I yelled, 
 not in the hope of attracting assistance, for I had 
 no idea any were near who would lend us a handi, 
 but to warn my comrades that the Tory was one of 
 the assailants, and it was as if in a twinkling my 
 cries changed the tide of battle. 
 
 Seth Hartley came up with an answering shout, 
 swinging a paddle which he must have taken from 
 the punt, and with every sweep of his weapon one or 
 more of the enemy were knocked into the water. 
 
 By this means, and before I had had time to strike 
 a single blow in my own defense, he cleared the 
 deck immediately in front of me, and then, thrusting 
 the paddle into my hands, he seized the musket, run- 
 ning with it into the cabin. 
 
 I was wholly at a loss to understand the meaning 
 of this move on his part, and just for an instant be- 
 
200 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 lieved he had turned tail at the very moment when 
 he could be of the most assistance; but there was 
 scant opportunity for speculation. ^ Luther Stedman 
 had brought with him a large force, counting on 
 making a clean job of it, and no sooner was one 
 put out of the fight than it seemed as if half a dozen 
 took his place. 
 
 It was necessary for me to use the paddle to the 
 best of my ability, so closely did they press me in- 
 stantly Seth had disappeared; but despite all my 
 efforts I could not come within striking distance 
 of Luther Stedman. That cowardly Tory was tak- 
 ing good care of his own precious skin, and had no 
 intention of running any unnecessary risks. 
 
 In reading over what I have just set down, I 
 find it has been made to appear as if I was the 
 only member of the sloop's crew who took any part 
 in the defense, and yet such is far from being the 
 truth. My comrades were fighting desperately, and 
 I have not attempted to tell what they did simply 
 because I had no means of knowing. I was dimly 
 conscious that every one of our party except Seth, 
 who appeared to be skulking in the cabin, was re- 
 sisting the attack to the best of his strength, and 
 without regard to personal danger; but the foe 
 so far outnumbered us that we could not rally to 
 a common place of defense. 
 
 It was at the very moment when I had been 
 felled to the deck by a cowardly blow delivered 
 from behind while I was grappling with a fellow 
 who pressed me hard, that the report of a musket 
 rang in my ears as if the weapon had been dis- 
 charged within an inch of my head, and a shriek 
 of pain followed it. 
 
 " Get forward here, lads ! " I heard Seth cry.. 
 
THE ATTACK. 201 
 
 " It is not for us to fight with sticks at such a time 
 as this ! " 
 
 Even while scrambhng to my feet, for the enemy 
 had fallen back very suddenly at the discharge of 
 the musket, I understood why Seth had gone into 
 the cuddy. He knew that plenty of ammunition 
 for the musket could be found there, and was not 
 minded to fight bare-handed any longer. 
 
 A second report and a second yell of pain came 
 while the enemy stood for the instant undecided, as 
 if surprised at knowing we had deadly weapons on 
 board, and a full half of Luther's cowardly follow- 
 ing went over the rail into the water. They could 
 fight with apparent energy while believing we were 
 the same as defenseless, but at the first show that 
 we had the means of inflicting serious injury, their 
 small spark of courage fled. 
 
 Abel Grant, with Sam and Abraham, had been 
 forced aft, separated from Seth and me by the 
 foe, and now they came toward the cuddy-hatch 
 with a yell of triumph, sweeping two more of the 
 gang overboard, while I cried out for them to take 
 care lest Luther escape us, when came a third shot 
 and the battle was over. 
 
 The last of the Tory crew who were able to do so 
 had taken to the water, less afraid of being drowned 
 than shot, leaving behind two who were too badly 
 wounded to admit of flight. 
 
 " We are allowin' Luther to get away scot free ! " 
 I cried in a rage, running aft to leap into the punt 
 that I might set off in pursuit, and Abel, instead 
 of seconding my efforts, stood like a statue, as he 
 repeated stupidly: 
 
 " Luther ! He can't be here, 'cause he's on the 
 pther side of the river 1 " 
 
202 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " But he is here ! " I screamed angrily. " I came 
 face to face with the sneakin' villain, an' surely 
 should be able to recognize him ! " 
 
 "Did he an' Ezra both get out of jail?" Sam 
 cried, and all on board remained stupidly staring 
 at me, without making any effort toward aiding 
 me make ready the boat, thus giving the Tories 
 ample opportunity to make their escape. 
 
 From the sound of oars in the distance I under- 
 stood that those who had made the attack were 
 too far away by this time to warrant our going in 
 pursuit, and, inwardly raging because my comrades 
 had allowed their astonishment to shut off all 
 possibility of our capturing any of the miscreants 
 save the two who lay on the sloop's deck wounded, 
 I went toward the cabin-hatch to relieve my feel- 
 ings by harsh words, when a voice from the shore 
 was heard: 
 
 " Ahoy on the sloop ! Answer or we'll open 
 fire!" 
 
 " Ahoy ! " I shouted, and now it was my turn 
 to be astonished almost to the verge of stupidity, 
 for I had not believed there were any near at hand 
 on the shore save it might be Britishers. 
 
 "What craft is that?" 
 
 " The sloop Swiftsure." 
 
 " What has been going on out there ? " the voice 
 cried, and I believed I recognized it as Lieutenant 
 Winterbottom's. 
 
 " A gang attempted to work mischief, an' came 
 precious near succeedin'," I replied, once more al- 
 lowing anger to get the better of me as I realized 
 that Luther Stedman and his following had es- 
 caped much the same as scot free, for I did not 
 
THE ATTACK. 203 
 
 count the wounded sufficient in number to be a fair 
 punishment for what would have been done save 
 for Seth's quick wit. 
 
 " Why didn't you answer our hail ? " the voice 
 from the shore asked sharply. 
 
 " Did you cry out before? " 
 
 " Ay, a dozen times. Do you know who made 
 the attack? Were they soldiers or sailors?" 
 
 " Neither ; but a party of Tories led by one 
 Luther Stedman." 
 
 " Have they escaped? " 
 
 " There are two on board too badly wounded 
 to be able to help themselves. The greater num- 
 ber must have gone away in boats, an' it stands to 
 reason that some are ashore, or tryin' to get there, 
 for more than one leaped overboard at the report 
 of our musket." 
 
 Then we heard the command for the guard to 
 turn out, and soon the hum of voices told that 
 soldiers were searching here and there along the 
 shore for those who had attacked us. 
 
 Now we understood why Luther and his follow- 
 ing had fought so silently. They were doubtless 
 aware that some of our force was encamped close 
 by, and knew their purpose must be accomplished 
 without noise if it was to succeed. 
 
 Five minutes later came the sound of oars near 
 at hand, and when Abel Grant hailed it was Lieu- 
 tenant Winterbottom who replied, saying in a busi- 
 ness-like tone as he came aboard : 
 
 " We will send the wounded ashore, for I'm 
 thinking you do not care to have them here." 
 
 Until this moment we had given no heed to the 
 fellows who lay in the cockpit, and our neglect of 
 
204 "^HE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 them was not due to wanton brutality; but rather 
 because we were so mixed in mind as to be really 
 incapable of acting like sane people. 
 
 Abel Grant brought the sloop's lantern and 
 lighted it that we might have a view of their faces ; 
 but we failed of recognizing them, and I said bit- 
 terly when the lieutenant's men were dressing the 
 wounds roughly, preparatory to putting the fellows 
 aboard the small boat: 
 
 " It is as I thought ! Luther Stedman recruited 
 his force from among the idlers on the shore who 
 are ready for anythin' that promises an opportunity 
 for plunder. If — " 
 
 " Why do you continue to say it was Luther 
 Stedman who led the attack ? " the lieutenant asked 
 in a tone of irritation, as if repetition of the name 
 annoyed him. " That Tory is safe in jail, and 
 will remain there for some days to come." 
 
 "That is where he should be," I replied hotly; 
 " but since he an' I came face to face, you must 
 allow that I would not be likely to make any mis- 
 take as to the scoundrel. That which most in- 
 terests me is, how he had a chance to do this 
 thing!" 
 
 " It not only interests me, but I'm thinking Gen- 
 eral Putnam will insist on an explanation," and 
 now the lieutenant spoke gravely, as if believing 
 the matter to be very serious. " The orders were 
 for him to be detained a certain time, and that he 
 is at liberty shows we have another traitor among 
 our people. You lads shall know all I may be able 
 to learn — that is," he added with an odd break 
 in his voice, " if I am in condition to give informa- 
 tion to any one at this time to-morrow." 
 
Tun ATTACK. 205 
 
 I failed of understanding what he meant; but 
 Sam, not so stupid, asited in a low tone: 
 
 " Is it certain that a battle will be fought very 
 soon, sir? " 
 
 " The British will undoubtedly open the attack 
 by daylight to-morrow, and with the odds in their 
 favor. I have been sent here to make certain the 
 enemy does not attempt to land a force in our 
 rear." 
 
 " An' what are we lads to do while the soldiers 
 are fightin' ? " I asked, for it seemed to me that we 
 had already given such account of ourselves that 
 we should be entitled to do the work of men. 
 
 " You are to remain here in charge of the sloop. 
 If so be the battle goes against us, you will be sorely 
 needed," the lieutenant replied gravely, and I added 
 with more of insistence than was seemly in a lad : 
 
 " But there are four of us who can do as good 
 work with muskets as those twice our age, an' it 
 surely seems as if we should be allowed the op- 
 portunity." 
 
 " Not when you can be of greater service else- 
 where. Be content to obey orders, as soldiers 
 should, remembering that this coming battle will 
 not be the only one we colonists must be called 
 upon to fight before the king has been made to 
 tmderstand that we count on struggling for our 
 rights so long as a corporal's guard is left alive. 
 Your turn will come later, lads." 
 
 By this time the soldiers had made ready to re- 
 move the wounded men, and, much to my relief, 
 we of the sloop were not called upon to aid in the 
 gruesome task of putting them on board the boat. 
 
 Then came two terrible days for us — terrible 
 
2o6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 because we lay idle off the ferry, not daring to go 
 on shore owing to the orders Lieutenant Winter- 
 bottom had given, and wholly ignorant of what was 
 being done, save that we knew full well a battle 
 had been fought and our people got the worst of 
 it, although the greater portion of them held their 
 own in the fortifications. 
 
 During all this time we remained on board the 
 sloop, never venturing to go on shore even for a 
 single moment lest we should be needed, as the 
 lieutenaijt had suggested, and then a young fellow 
 who did not appear to be more than twenty years 
 old, hailed us from the shore at about five o'clock 
 in the afternoon, asking that we come in the punt 
 and take him aboard. 
 
 " I have here a written order from Lieutenant 
 Winterbottom," he said, when I had explained that 
 our instructions were to remain at anchor until 
 receiving some positive command from General 
 Putnam or one of his staff. 
 
 It can well be fancied that we went for him with 
 a rush on hearing this, for now, after so long and 
 terrible a time of waiting did it seem as if we 
 might learn the truth of what had been done, and 
 because I cannot tell the story as well as did he, 
 I propose to set down the tale exactly as he told 
 it to us immediately we brought him on board. 
 
 His name was James Martin, and he had come to 
 New York with the Connecticut troops to aid in 
 the defense of the town when it was known that 
 the Britishers were counting to make an attack 
 upon our people. 
 
 Martin had an ugly wound in the shoulder which, 
 fortunately, had already been dressed by a surgeon, 
 and the written word he brought from Lieutenant 
 
THE ATTACK. 207 
 
 Winterbottom was to the effect that we take him 
 aboard and remain on the alert, for we would have 
 work in plenty before midnight. 
 
 " Does that mean we are to carry soldiers back 
 to the town? " I asked, and Martin replied: 
 
 " I have no idea what is to be done. Some be- 
 lieve General Washington counts on beatin' a re- 
 treat, while others are of the opinion that we are 
 to make a try at gettin' over Gravesend bay way, 
 so that we may take the enemy in the rear." 
 
 " S'posen you tell us all you know about the busi- 
 ness from the time you set out for Long Island ? " 
 Abel Grant said, and it can well be understood that 
 we were eager enough to hear the story; but, in 
 order that we might not miss seeing or hearing the 
 first messenger who should come to us, we gathered 
 in the blood-stained cockpit, where Martin was 
 made as comfortable as possible. And here is the 
 story he told, set down exactly as we heard it 
 from his lips: 
 
 " It seemed a good deal like sport to come up 
 to New York from New Haven, and a grand time 
 some of us had until the afternoon when we were 
 ordered to march down to the ferry to take boat 
 for Long Island. 
 
 " Of course we expected something of the kind, 
 especially after hearing that the British had landed 
 on the island, but I didn't feel overly comfortable 
 in mind at the idea of snuffing gunpowder when 
 bullets were mixed with it. However, I held my 
 tongue, went to quarters, packed my belongings, 
 and got myself in readiness for a move as soon as 
 possible. 
 
 " When we had marched to the ferry I saw sev- 
 eral casks of sea-bread, which was nearly as hard 
 
2o8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 as musket-flints, and heard our captain give the 
 word for us to take as many as we could carry 
 comfortably. As good luck would have it, we 
 made a short halt before the boats came up, and 
 I filled the bosom of my shirt with the hard bis- 
 cuits, also taking as many as could be carried in 
 my hands, putting these last in my knapsack while 
 we were going across. 
 
 " After landing at Brooklyn we marched up the 
 hill from the ferry, and had not got very far when 
 we began to meet wounded men, some with broken 
 legs, and some with broken heads. Sights like 
 those made me feel mighty uncomfortable; but I 
 held my peace lest my comrades should think me 
 a coward. After marching three or four miles we 
 were halted to give us a chance to gnaw at the 
 flinty biscuit, which were enough to break the teeth 
 of a rat. 
 
 " Before we had finished the not overly pleasing 
 meal, a squad of British came up through the 
 thicket and engaged fifty or more of our Connecti- 
 cut troops, and it didn't make a fellow feel very 
 comfortable in mind, knowing that within a short 
 time he also would march up to be shot at. 
 
 " The skirmish was short-lived, and then we were 
 ordered to march once more. After traveling 
 about half a mile we came upon a small party of 
 artillerymen dragging a heavy twelve-pounder on 
 a field-carriage, the wheels of which sank deep in 
 the sandy soil. They pleaded hard for some one 
 to help them haul the piece. Our officers gave no 
 heed to their entreaties, but urged us forward to- 
 wards a creek, where a large party of Americans 
 and British were engaged. 
 
 " By the time we arrived the enemy had driven 
 
THE ATTACK. 209 
 
 our men into the creek, or, perhaps, you might call 
 it a mill-pond, and such as could swim got across, 
 while those who could not, and who failed of find- 
 ing anything to buoy them up, went to the bot- 
 tom. The British had three or four field-pieces 
 stationed near a brick house, and these were pour- 
 ing cannister and grape into our people like showers 
 of hail. Many more would have been killed but 
 for the twelve-pounder, which, being got in posi- 
 tion, opened such a fire that the red-coats were 
 forced to shift their quarters. , 
 
 " In this section was a regiment of Maryland 
 troops, all young men. It was truly a pitiful sight 
 when they came out of the water and mud, looking 
 rather like rats than human beings. Many of them 
 were killed while swimming across the pond, and 
 more were drowned. When the tide went down 
 some of our regiment waded into the water and 
 took out a number of corpses, as well as a great 
 many muskets that had been lost or deliberately 
 thrown into the creek. Our regiment lay on the 
 ground we then occupied, during that night. 
 
 " Next afternoon we had a pretty tight scratch 
 with about our own number of British, all of which 
 came about rather oddly. A few of our boys went 
 across the creek on what had become our regular 
 business, that is, in search of something to eat. 
 There was a field of corn a short distance ofif, with 
 several cocks of hay about half-way from the creek 
 to the cornfield. Our boys counted on getting some 
 of the corn, or anything else that might be eatable. 
 When they had got as far as the hay-cocks they were 
 fired upon by the British, who were hidden in the 
 cornfield. 
 
 " Our boys took to the hay, and the red-coats to 
 
210 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the fence, from which positions a number of shots 
 were exchanged, neither side being wilHng to give 
 way. Finally about forty of our people charged, 
 driving the British from the fence, and, more red- 
 coats coming up just then, our fellows were driven 
 back in turn. Each side kept receiving reinforce- 
 ments, until we had our entire regiment in action, 
 and the enemy mustered about as many; but after 
 a hard tussle we succeeded in routing them, yet 
 did not dare to follow when they retreated, for 
 fear of falling into some snare. We lost in all — 
 both killed and wounded — about thirty. 
 
 " Our regiment was alone, no other troops be- 
 ing near where we were lying. We had halted on 
 rising ground covered with a young growth of 
 trees, and a goodly number of these we felled to 
 throw up such a fence as would prevent the ap- 
 proach of the enemy's horse. Near night a heavy 
 shower came up, which wet us all to the skin, and 
 damaged our ammunition so much that when the 
 storm cleared away we were ordered to parade and 
 discharge our pieces that they might be recharged. 
 We attempted to fire by platoons for improvement, 
 but made blundering work of it; it was more like 
 a running fire. However, we got our muskets as 
 empty as our stomachs, and with half the trouble, 
 nor was it difficult to reload them, for we had the 
 wherewithal to do that, but not so with our 
 stomachs. 
 
 "Just at dusk I, with one or two others of our 
 company, went to a barn about half a mile away 
 to get some straw, for the ground was drenched 
 with the rain. It was quite dark in the building, 
 and while I was fumbling around on the floor some 
 one called from the top of the mow, asking who 
 
THE ATTACK. 211 
 
 we were. I told him, and he asked if there had 
 not been a battle nearby; said he and his mates had 
 heard the firing, and crept in there to save their 
 lives. They had heard us when we discharged our 
 muskets in order to reload them, and believed the 
 barn to be entirely surrounded by the enemy. We 
 never let on that the Britishers hadn't been there; 
 but, gathering up some sheaves of wheat, went back 
 to the regiment. From the number of voices I 
 heard, it is safe to say there were not less than a 
 dozen skulking in the barn, and if they didn't suc- 
 ceed in mustering up any more courage, it's likely 
 they'll stay there tilU the red-coats gather 'em in, 
 as should be done to those who show the white 
 feather so handily. 
 
 " When I got back to where our regiment Was 
 stationed, I found the men under arms ready to 
 march away, so I dropped the wheat sheaves which 
 had cost so much in the way of time, picked up 
 my musket, and fell into line. We were ordered 
 not to speak, or even to cough, while on the march. 
 All orders were given in whispers, being repeated 
 from officer to officer down the line, and we were 
 started off in the direction of the ferry, wondering 
 much as to the meaning of it all. Hardly was our 
 regiment in motion, when your lieutenant came up 
 and ordered me to fall out in order to make a 
 short cut for the shore here, to warn you that much 
 work would be called for this night." 
 
 The soldier ceased speaking as if his story had 
 come to an end, and I, who had failed to hear 
 whatsoever of a real battle, asked impatiently: 
 
 " Hasn't there been a fight here on the island ? " 
 
 " Bless you, yes," he replied. " Our people have 
 been fighting here, there and everywhere; but I 
 
212 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 reckon you'll find, if our commanders allow that 
 a big battle has been fought, that it was cut up 
 in little pieces, same's I've been telling about." 
 
 " I can't see that it makes any particular dififer- 
 ence to this 'ere organization whether it has been 
 a pitched battle, or a lot of skirmishes," Abel Grant 
 said as if giving words to his thoughts. " The 
 upshot of it all is that the Americans are whipped, 
 an' are now retreatin'." 
 
 " Who said they were whipped ? " Sam asked 
 angrily. 
 
 " This 'ere soldier has told us much the same 
 thing, an' 'less we're dummies, we don't need to 
 be told that troops are retreatin' when they move 
 softly away in obedience to whispered orders. Be- 
 sides, the Heutenant has said the same when he 
 tells about hard work for this night. I'm only the 
 admiral of the fleet; but if I was in command of 
 the land forces, I'd be makin' ready to get back 
 inter runnin' a ferry." 
 
 There was no good reason why we should dis- 
 pute over the meaning of James Martin's story. 
 We knew well enough that some disaster had be- 
 fallen our people, and after all we had seen of the 
 enemy's strength, it really did not seem strange the 
 king's forces should have come out best, they be- 
 ing entitled to do so by sheer press of numbers. 
 
 The one question I wanted settled was as to how 
 we could do anything toward making ready for the 
 work before us, save by remaining on the alert, and, 
 lest the others should know how thoroughly ig- 
 norant I was, I asked advice of our prisoner. 
 
 " It wouldn't do any harm to warp in a bit nearer 
 the shore," Seth replied, speaking in a low tone, 
 for he understood that I did not care the others 
 
THE ATTACK. 213 
 
 should know I had been seeking advice. " Then 
 it stands you in hand to feed the company, for 
 I'm thinkin' that when our work begins there'll be 
 scant time for eatin' till it's over." 
 
 " Then you believe our people are beatin' a re- 
 treat?" I asked. 
 
 " There can be no other meanin' to the story the 
 recruit has been teUin', an' now has come the time 
 when you lads may do better service for your 
 Cause than if you stood in the trenches with a 
 musket a full week at a stretch. The work now 
 ,is to save your army, an' you with your boat can 
 do more than could be effected with all the Ameri- 
 can muskets on the island." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE RETREAT. 
 
 Although Seth Hartley had not said very much, 
 I understood exactly what he meant, and verily do 
 I believe there was no other on the sloop who could 
 have aided me in pulling myself together as did 
 our prisoner — the lobster-back whom we had 
 stolen from the British fleet. 
 
 As if the idea was one that had just come into 
 my mind, I gave the word that the sloop should 
 be warped as near inshore as the depth of water 
 would permit, and at the same time warned Sam 
 that he had better be getting about his duties as 
 cook. 
 
 " If so be we must play ferry-boat again, we'll 
 be in shape for the work," I said, putting on such 
 a swagger as I thought should be worn by the cap- 
 tain of Minute Boys. " He who fights an' runs 
 away may live to fight another day, so the old song 
 says, an' I dare venture to say that's what General 
 Washington has got in his mind when he orders 
 a retreat. We'll see our people forcin' the British- 
 ers back before we're many days older, an' now all 
 we've got to do is help the Americans off the 
 island." 
 
 I saw Abraham looking at me out of the tail 
 of his eye, and knew he was trying to make out 
 
 214 
 
THE HETRBAT. 21 5 
 
 why I was become such a swashbuckler so sud- 
 denly; but never a word in the way of explanation 
 did I offer, and very likely it is a mystery to Abe 
 Decker even to this day. 
 
 However, my orders were carried out very 
 promptly, and within another hour we were ready 
 for whatsoever might be required. Indeed our 
 preparations had been made none too soon, for Abel 
 Grant had not yet had time to light his pipe be- 
 fore the foremost of the retreating army could be 
 seen even amid the gloom. 
 
 And now am I minded to hasten over the events 
 of this night, even though in all the time I have 
 lived I can recall nothing more stirring and like 
 to warm the blood of those who have the good of 
 the Cause at heart. If I spend the time necessary 
 to the story, then must I leave untold the details 
 of our next encounter with Luther Stedman, there- 
 fore it is that I will set down here what I saw 
 printed a long while after that eventful night, for 
 we who called ourselves Minute Boys, our prisoner, 
 Seth Hartley, and James Martin, the wounded 
 soldier, had no other part in all the dangerous en- 
 terprise than to keep the sloop moving from shore 
 to shore as rapidly as possible. 
 
 By setting down here the words of another, as 
 I did while telling the soldier's story, we shall come 
 to the part we lads played, all the more quickly, 
 and he who does not care to read may pass it over, 
 if, peradventure, the doings of my comrades and 
 myself are more pleasing. 
 
 " With twenty thousand men the English ad- 
 vanced on the American position by different roads, 
 and in the early morning of August 27th, they en- 
 countered the Americans whom Putnam had sent 
 
2l6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 out under Sullivan, who had taken the place of 
 Greene, owing to the illness of the latter. 
 
 " Sullivan was first attacked by a large body of 
 Hessians under Von Heister, and scarcely had the 
 fight begun when he was assailed in the rear by 
 the main force. Between two galling fires, it was 
 not possible for the Americans to hold their ground, 
 and nearly the whole force, including the com- 
 mander, were made prisoners of war. 
 
 " Another division of fifteen hundred American 
 troops, under Lord Stirling, was now assaulted by 
 General Grant, and a little later by Cornwallis. 
 After four hours of desperate resistance, Stirling 
 succeeded in getting his men across a marshy stream 
 to a plate of safety, while he himself was t3ken 
 prisoner, and the struggle known as the Battle of 
 Long Island was over. About four hundred had 
 been killed and wounded on each side, and the 
 British had taken some eleven hundred prisoners. 
 
 " An evacuation of Long Island, and a retreat 
 to New York, was the resolve of a council of war. 
 The fog still rested heavily upon the island, the 
 harbor, and the adjacent city, like a shield of the 
 Almighty to cover the patriots from the peril of 
 discovery. Although lying within a few hundred 
 yards of the American lines, the enemy had no sus- 
 picion of the movement. 
 
 " At eight o'clock in the evening the patriot regi- 
 ments were silently paraded, the soldiers ignorant 
 of the intent; but, owing to delay on account of 
 unfavorable wind, and some confusion in orders, 
 it was near midnight when the embarkation com- 
 menced at the ferry stairs, foot of Fulton Street, 
 Brooklyn. For six hours soldiers and volunteers 
 plied their muffled oars, and boat after boat, filled 
 
THE RETREAT. 217 
 
 with the champions of freedom, touched at the vari- 
 ous wharves from Fulton ferry to Whitehall, and 
 left their precious burdens. 
 
 " At six in the morning nine thousand men, with 
 their baggage and munitions, except heavy artillery, 
 had crossed. MifHin with his Pennsylvania bat- 
 talions and the remains of the regiments of Small- 
 wood and Haslet, formed the covering party, and 
 Washington and his staff, who had been in the sad- 
 dle all night, remained until the last company had 
 embarked. At dawn the fog lifted from the city, 
 but remained dark and dreary upon the deserted 
 camp and the serried ranks of the foe, until the 
 last boat left the Long Island shore. 
 
 " Intelligence of this movement reached the 
 British commander-in-chief at half-past four in the 
 morning. It was too late for successful pursuit, 
 for when battalion after battalion was called to 
 arms, and a troop of horsemen sped toward the 
 East river, the last boat was beyond pistol shot, 
 and as the fog rolled away and the sunlight burst 
 upon the scene, the American flag was waving over 
 the motley host of Continentals and militia march- 
 ing toward the hills of Rutgers' farm." 
 
 We lads and the " admiral " did good work on 
 that night; but Lieutenant Winterbottom did not 
 come to us with orders, nor had we the honor of 
 ferrying over the leaders of our army. Many 
 weeks afterward we learned that the lieutenant had 
 carried his last command in this world — he had 
 done all that the bravest might in defense of the 
 Cause, for he had given to it his life, and we lads 
 mourned as for a warm friend, for such he had 
 been to us during the short time we knew him. 
 
 When morning came we remained aboard the 
 
2l8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 sloop in the East river just off Rutgers* farm, be- 
 lieving the moment had come when there was no 
 longer any work for us, and wondering not a little 
 as to what should be done with Seth Hartley, for 
 it seemed as if it was not our right to hold him 
 prisoner, even though he had been such only in 
 name for many a day. 
 
 It was Seth himself who settled the matter while 
 we were eating breakfast that morning, by saying: 
 
 " I'm not minded to turn deserter after once 
 havin' sworn to serve the king, neither am I willin' 
 to do what I may against the people of this colony, 
 therefore it shall be as if you still held me to my 
 parole. It would be more manly, perhaps, if I 
 stood out boldly as one who had forsaken his 
 colors after learning that the king was in the 
 wrong; but I'm thinkin' it best to wait a while, an' 
 maybe the chance will come when I can declare 
 my intentions in proper fashion." 
 
 And from that moment we counted him as one 
 of us, never allowing the idea to creep into our 
 minds that he would return to the lobster-backs, 
 save as an enemy. 
 
 If I were to make any attempt at setting down- all 
 we said in the cuddy of the sloop when we lay at 
 anchor after our work as ferrymen, while trying to 
 figure out how it might be possible for us to do 
 something in aid of the Cause, I might never come 
 to an end of my story, for our tongues wagged fast 
 and long in discussion, and we proposed many 
 plans which would have been so impossible of 
 execution that he who might read would set us 
 down as a party of simples needing a lesson in 
 sound commonsense. 
 
 The result of so many words was that we ar- 
 
THE RETREAT. 219 
 
 rived at no conclusion whatsoever, and when night 
 came all hands turned in, for we were sadly in need 
 of sleep, wondering with sore hearts as to what 
 would be the fate of our parents on Long Island 
 now that the Britishers had undisputed possession. 
 
 Although we were much the same as mustered 
 out of service, it was not to be that we should en- 
 joy a full night's sleep. It was to me as if I had 
 been lost in slumber no more than half an hour 
 when I was brought out of the bunk all standing 
 by the roar of heavy guns, as, quite naturally, were 
 my companions. 
 
 Without being exactly aware of how we came 
 there, all hands of us found ourselves standing in 
 the cockpit staring stupidly around until the night 
 breeze had blown the slumber from our eyes, when 
 it seemed very much as if the Britishers were de- 
 termined to capture New York before our people 
 had had time to recover from the fatigue of the 
 hasty retreat. 
 
 The night was not so dark but that we could 
 make out quite distinctly a forty-gun ship coming 
 up past the batteries on Bowling Green, her port 
 guns sending forth flashes of flame as she threw 
 shot into the city, and all the while every cannon 
 on our side that could be brought to bear on her, 
 was being discharged as rapidly as the gunners 
 could reload it. 
 
 The din was deafening, and for a time I believed 
 we had before us a battle far more important than 
 the one just fought on Long Island, for then we 
 heard the roar of the cannon from a great distance, 
 whereas here it was under our very noses, and more 
 than once did a heavy shot fall so near the sloop 
 that we were drenched by the spray which spouted 
 
220 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 up in torrents as the missile plunged hissing in the 
 water. 
 
 " The fleet is comin' up to lay the town in 
 ashes ! " Sam cried with a sob, and verily every 
 man jack of us was of the same opinion, for what 
 other explanation could be made? 
 
 The enormous ship came steadily on up the East 
 river, apparently no more disturbed by our fire than 
 one of us would have been by a swarm of mos- 
 quitoes, and as she approached, looking as though 
 heading directly for us, I made a simple of myself 
 by giving words to the thought which came sud- 
 denly into my mind: 
 
 " She is after us ! That must be the same vessel 
 from which we escaped, an' her captain is minded 
 to show us what it costs to give a king's vessel the 
 slip!" 
 
 Abel Grant burst into a hearty laugh, Seth Hart- 
 ley joining him, and I was puzzled to make out 
 what those two could see in the situation that should 
 provoke mirth, until our " admiral " cried as soon 
 as it was possible to speak: 
 
 " So you think they would send a whale to catch 
 a her r in', eh, Ephraim Lyttle? Verily you must 
 think that the Minute Boys of Long Island are of 
 vast importance in the eyes of the king's officers ! " 
 and again the foolish fellow gave voice to his 
 mirth. 
 
 " Then why is she headin' directly for the 
 sloop ? " I asked angrily. " If she holds her course 
 much longer we shall find ourselves under her 
 stem ! " 
 
 " Have you forgotten that the channel is on this 
 side ? " Abraham asked, not laughingly, but as if 
 he pitied me because of my ignorance. " Besides, 
 
THE RETREAT. 221 
 
 she's minded to do our batteries all the harm 
 possible, an' therefore is pumpin' shot into 'em at 
 short range." 
 
 I began dimly to realize that I had given my 
 comrades due cause for mirth, and to cover the con- 
 fusion which began to creep over me, I asked of 
 Seth: 
 
 " Can you see any others of the fleet? " 
 
 " There are none in sight yet, as should be the 
 case if they were sailin' in line of battle. I allow 
 that this ship is alone; come to see how much of 
 mischief may be done while the Americans are 
 supposed to be in a bit of muddle over losin' the 
 battle." 
 
 It did not seem to me possible that this could 
 be the true explanation, for I failed to figure how 
 it might advantage the Britishers to send a single 
 ship where it really seemed that our people should 
 be able to sink her, and as if he read my thoughts, 
 Seth added : 
 
 " It don't stand to reason the field pieces ashore 
 can do her much in the way of harm; but if she 
 should get into serious trouble there are enough 
 other ships to come to her rescue." 
 
 Even though there was so much of danger to 
 us, and although I was growing timorous as she 
 advanced, it would have been impossible not to 
 have admired the magnificent spectacle of this enor- 
 mous hulk sailing slowly up the river, her larboard 
 ports all aflame as the guns were discharged, and 
 the decks crowded with men who lined the rails 
 as if to show how insignificant they considered our 
 efforts to do them an injury. 
 
 " Surely if one vessel can come here unharmed, 
 it is only a question of when the British admiral 
 
222 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 is ready to do the work, an' then New York is in 
 the possession of the king's forces," Sam said 
 mournfully, speaking as if simply giving words to 
 the thoughts in his mind, and Seth Hartley replied, 
 but with no ring of triumph. 
 
 " Ay, lad, he who could think otherwise would 
 be short-sighted indeed, an' I'm of the opinion that 
 already is your General Washington askin' himself 
 how he can best save his army." 
 
 " Then the Cause is lost ? " I cried, and Seth 
 said as he laid his hand on my shoulder: 
 
 " Ay, if we count New York as bein' the only 
 place in rebellion against the king; but we in Eng- 
 land have believed that the other colonies would 
 put up a stiffer fight than might be looked for here." 
 
 " Then why have all the troops been sent here 
 instead of elsewhere ? " Abraham asked, ducking 
 his head very suddenly as a shot from the ship 
 came between him and the mainmast of the sloop. 
 
 " It don't stand to reason that an ignorant marine 
 like me should be able to figure out the whys an' 
 wherefores, an' yet we try now an' then. While 
 comin' up from Halifax, knowin' we was bein' 
 brought here to put an end to what Englishmen 
 call a rebellion, it stands to reason that we tried 
 to guess why we were bound for New York instead 
 of some other port, an' this is much the way our 
 sea lawyers worked the traverse: This town will 
 make a good startin' point; a base of supplies is 
 needed for the army as well as the navy, an' 
 we came to believe that this was the place picked 
 out. But, even though the town is the same as 
 taken, nothin' has been done towards bringin' you 
 to terms — the work is hardly yet begun." 
 
 " Surely we may be far in the dumps when a 
 
THE RETREAT. 223 
 
 Britisher thinks it's his duty to give us a little 
 cheer," Abel Grant said with a laugh. " There's 
 no doubt but that Seth is in the right, an' even 
 though the Minute Boys of Long Island may not 
 be able to do anythin' on their own ground, there's 
 plenty of room elsewhere in the colonies for them 
 as believe in the Cause." 
 
 While we had thus been talking the big ship 
 passed us, giving no heed to the little Swiftsure, 
 but sailing straight on up the river, and we ceased 
 to think of ourselves as we asked where she was 
 bound. We could trace her course by the flashes 
 of fire while she was near our line of defenses, and 
 then all was still; whether the enemy had come to 
 anchor, or was yet moving, no one could say. 
 
 " I reckon we can turn in now," Abel Grant said 
 with a yawn as he entered the cuddy after we had 
 waited, listening, ten minutes or more without hear- 
 ing anything further from the enemy. " I don't 
 lay claim to havin' a head bigger'n them around 
 me, but I'll wager a couple of clams that the ship 
 counts on comin' to anchor nearby so's to help pen 
 our army up in the town till the fleet gets ready to 
 scoop the whole boilin'. It won't work, though, 
 for General Washington ain't the kind of a man to 
 be found with both eyes shut at the same time." 
 
 Then we turned in, to sleep as only tired people 
 can until the rays of the rising sun heated the cuddy 
 so hot that we were forced to go outside lest we 
 be baked like a cake. 
 
 As a matter of course, the first thing we looked 
 for was the ship that had kicked up such a row in 
 the night, and nearly frightened me into showing 
 myself a coward; but she was nowhere in sight. 
 Abel Grant hailed a fellow who was coming down 
 
224 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the river in a skiff, and learned from him that the 
 Britisher had anchored in Turtle bay, where every- 
 thing had been made snug as if she counted on 
 ending her days there. 
 
 Before we were done speculating as to the mean- 
 ing of such a settling down, we heard that the 
 whole British fleet had moved up off Governor's 
 Island, within cannon-shot of the town, and this 
 seemed to be an end of the movement. 
 
 " They're waitin' till everythin' is good an' ready, 
 after which we'll see 'em come inter town lookin' 
 for stray rebels," Abel Grant said with a grin, as 
 if believing himself very witty. " 'Cordin' to the 
 way I figger things out, matters will hang as they 
 are for quite a spell, an' now's the time when I 
 can 'tend to a little business of my own." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " Sam asked, when Abel 
 ceased speaking as if his story was told. 
 
 " Jest what I say. It strikes me that we ought'er 
 know what's happenin' over on the island, an' I'm 
 goin' to run across there this mornin'." 
 
 " It's a good idea ! " I cried excitedly, for, if the 
 truth must be confessed, I had almost forgotten that 
 the folks at home would be anxious regarding us, 
 and Sam began loosening the mainsail, when Abel 
 cried sharply: 
 
 " Now what'er you about? " 
 
 " Gettin' under way. The wind will die out be- 
 fore noon, an' it stands us in hand to take advan- 
 tage of this early breeze." 
 
 " Did you think I was crazy enough to allow 
 we could go there in the sloop ? " 
 
 " How else can you go ? " I asked in surprise. 
 
 " With the Britishers in possession of the island, 
 don't it strike you that the Tories will be mighty 
 
THE RETREAT. 225 
 
 perky? How long after we came to anchor in 
 Wallabout before every bloomin' one of that scurvy 
 gang would be puttin' out to scoop us in as 
 prisoners ? " 
 
 I wasn't so thick-headed bftt it was possible to 
 understand that of all dangerous places for us, our 
 island was the worst, and I sat down in the stern- 
 sheets feeling mighty desolate, for it seemed just 
 then as if I had indeed lost my home. 
 
 " There's no good reason why I shouldn't be able 
 to sneak ashore an' find out what's been done," 
 Abel said as he gathered up half a dozen ship's 
 biscuit. " I'll put across in the punt, an' be back 
 sometime in the night, if nothin' happens." 
 
 He evidently believed we would try to prevent 
 him from making the venture, or, perhaps, insist 
 on going with him, for even while speaking he 
 went over the rail into the small boat, and was a 
 dozen yards or more away before I gathered my 
 wits suiificiently to cry out: 
 
 " Come back ! I want to go with you ! " 
 
 Abel shook his head, and Sam said in a decided 
 tone: 
 
 " You can't do any thin' of the kind, Ephraim 
 Lyttle. The venture is risky enough for one, with- 
 out makin' it worse by doublin' the chances. I 
 don't believe he can go ashore without bein' picked 
 up by some Tory who is burnin' to do harm to a 
 Whig without much danger to himself; but how 
 could we have stopped him ? " 
 
 " Mother will think I am heedless of her, not 
 to have come with him," I persisted, and Abraham 
 replied : 
 
 " There isn't one chance in a thousand that he'll 
 see any of our people. Don't you suppose they 
 
226 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 had sense enough to leave when it was known that 
 the American army had retreated ? " 
 
 " But where could they go ? " 
 
 " You know very well that I can't answer the 
 question; but it seems certain to me they would 
 ■have gone, an' if he comes back with word of havin' 
 seen them, you an' I'll make the venture as soon 
 as may be." 
 
 What could I say after that promise, save at the 
 expense of proving myself even a greater simple 
 than I was willing to admit? We had rebelled 
 against the king, and must take whatever it was in 
 his power to deal out to us. That we ourselves 
 were not prisoners was fortunate, and crying over 
 what couldn't be cured wouldn't mend matters. 
 
 We laid at anchor all day, making no attempt to 
 go ashore, and hearing nothing in the way of news 
 that was particularly cheerful. Now and then one 
 man or another would pass nearby, either on shore 
 or by water, and we soon came to understand that 
 it was generally believed General Howe could come 
 into New York whenever he felt so disposed. 
 
 Our troops were yet in town, apparently bent on 
 holding it; but if the ships of the British fleet once 
 opened fire upon them, they could do little or noth- 
 ing save die at their posts. 
 
 During the afternoon Jethro Dyker pulled up the 
 river in search of a skiff that had been lost the 
 night before, and came aboard for a chat, telling 
 us much that we already knew, and very little in 
 the way of real news. 
 
 " Father is makin' ready to get out of town when 
 the army leaves," he announced. " He says Gen- 
 eral Washington couldn't hold New York if he 
 had twice as many men, an' once the Britishers are 
 
THE RETREAT. 227 
 
 here we Whigs will have a hot time of it. What 
 are you lads countin' on doin' ? " 
 
 That was exactly what we couldn't tell him, and, 
 receiving no answer, he mapped out our plans as if 
 believing we had been waiting for him to say what 
 we ought to do: 
 
 " You'll take mighty good care to leave when the 
 troops first begin to move, that is, if there's wind 
 enough to fill your sails, an' if there ain't, you'll 
 abandon the sloop, of course." 
 
 " We'll take a good many chances before doin' 
 that," Abraham said curtly, irritated because Jethro 
 had taken it upon himself to tell us what we should 
 do. " We'll hold on to the sloop quite a spell 
 waitin' for a wind, rather than give her up without 
 a struggle." 
 
 " Then you'll show yourselves to be a crew of 
 fools ! " Jethro cried as he went over the rail into 
 his skiff. " What good will she do you while 
 you're in prison, for that's where all hands will be 
 as soon as the Tories can give information about 
 you?" 
 
 " We'll take some chances before showin' the 
 white feather," Sam cried, and Jethro rowed away 
 in silence, as if leaving us to our fate in punishment 
 for being pig-headed. 
 
 We did not feel any more comfortable in mind 
 after young Dyker had gone, although never one 
 of us would have allowed the others to fancy he 
 was at all disturbed, and, speaking now only for 
 myself, it was with a decided sense of relief that 
 I saw the shadows of night begin to lengthen. 
 
 In the distance we could see four vessels of the 
 enemy's fleet, lying with guns trained on the town, 
 and we knew that, hidden from view by the island, 
 
228 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 the remainder of the vessels were ready to work 
 death and destruction at the bidding of that red- 
 coated officer who represented the king in North 
 America. 
 
 " I don't reckon we shall be any the worse off 
 if we make the most of what stores are aboard," 
 Sam said with an evident effort to speak in a jovial 
 tone. " I'm goin' to cook the very best supper 
 possible, an' we'll have it ready when Abel Grant 
 gets here, for I fancy he'll be sharkish after his 
 long pull an' longer tramp." 
 
 It was a decided relief to have something with 
 which to occupy one's time, and all hands turned 
 to with a will to help the cook, prolonging the work 
 as much as possible in order that the supper might 
 not be ready before Abel arrived. 
 
 Under more pleasant circumstances we would 
 have considered the meal a veritable feast, so plenti- 
 ful and varied was it; but who can wonder that 
 we felt as if we no longer had homes, and were 
 remaining near our birthplace only by sufferance 
 of those whom we knew to be deadly enemies? 
 Even Seth Hartley appeared ill at ease, and think- 
 ing that possibly he might be regretting having 
 cast in his lot with ours when everything was so 
 dark and threatening, I taxed him with having such 
 thoughts, whereupon he said, speaking so heartily 
 that I could not have doubted him even had I been 
 so disposed: 
 
 " I am givin' no heed to myself, lad. It was not 
 with the belief you would win a speedy victory that 
 I much the same as turned deserter, for I knew be- 
 yond a reasonable doubt there must be many dark 
 days. It is because you lads, whom I have come 
 to consider as very good friends, are in such dis- 
 
THE RETREAT. 229 
 
 tress of mind while I am unable to say or do any- 
 thin' that may give relief. My father an' mother 
 are both dead, but I can come somewhere near 
 guessin' how I'd feel if knowin', as you do, that 
 they'd been turned out of house an' home." 
 
 I shook his hand heartily; it was all I could do, 
 for had I trusted myself to speak at that moment 
 the tears must have come first, and what kind of a 
 figure would the commander of Minute Boys cut 
 if he blubbered like any "baby? 
 
 Well, we made ready the feast, and although it 
 was nearly nine o'clock in the evening before Sam 
 was willing to admit that his work was done, Abel 
 still remained absent. 
 
 " He has found friends with whom he lingered," 
 Seth Hartley said, striving to speak cheerily. 
 " Like enough he has never fancied that you might 
 be anxious if he remained away so late." 
 
 We waited another, hour without hearing any- 
 thing from our " admiral," and then at Abraham's 
 suggestion we went through the motions of eating; 
 but if the other fellows came as near being choked 
 by the food as did I, the feast was anything rather 
 than a success. 
 
 We nibbled at this or that until time enough had 
 been spent to make it appear as if we were having 
 a happy evening of it, and then all hands set about 
 clearing up the cuddy, after which I suggested that 
 we turn in, leaving one on deck to stand watch, 
 though why there was need for such precaution I 
 could not have explained. 
 
 " Who shall stand the first watch ? " Sam asked. 
 
 " I'll take the first trick," was my reply, where- 
 upon both Sam and Abe declared that they had 
 no desire for sleep just then. 
 
230 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Therefore it was that all hands remained in the 
 cockpit, straining their ears for the first sound of 
 a paddle from the direction of the opposite shore, 
 but hearing nothing throughout all the long hours 
 of darkness. 
 
 When day dawned we searched with our eyes 
 for the punt. There were two or three small craft 
 moving about, but none resembling the one we 
 were so eager to see, and until the sun rose we 
 remained silent and motionless gazing over the 
 water, when Abraham said abruptly: 
 
 " It would be foolish for us to shut our eyes to 
 what we know must be the facts. Abel Grant 
 would never have risked putting off from Wallabout 
 bay in the daylight, an' because of his not comin' 
 we know he has been made a prisoner." 
 
 No one replied to this. All of us had the same 
 thought, but had not dared to put it in words. 
 
 " ri;n goin' to hunt for him," Abraham said 
 slowly and deliberately, after a long time of silence. 
 " No, no, not till night," he added, seeing that Sam 
 was about to make some objections. " I'm not 
 quite such a fool as to put off before dark; but 
 when the sun sets I shall start, forcin' Jethro Dyker 
 to lend me a skiff. Abel is our comrade, an' we 
 cannot stay here idle knowin' he is in trouble." 
 
 " I shall go with you ! " I cried, and Sam echoed 
 my words, whereupon, much to my surprise, Seth 
 Hartley asked : 
 
 " Why not all go ? You would be foolish to 
 make a try at followin' on his trail, for those who 
 picked him up would serve you in the same way; 
 but, now that the fleet is close up here, why wouldn't 
 it be possible, with a good wind, to sail past them 
 
THE RETREAT. 23 1 
 
 in the night, an' begin your search from some other 
 part of the island ? " 
 
 It was a right bold plan, one smacking of great 
 peril; but in the mood we then were danger was 
 welcome, although we did not admit as much to 
 each other as we stood staring across the waters 
 in silence. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 NEWS OF ABEL. 
 
 When Seth Hartley proposed that we set off 
 in search of Abel Grant in the sloop, holding to- 
 gether as a company rather than sending out one 
 or two in search of the missing man, the idea struck 
 us very favorably, because at the moment, so great 
 was our sorrow and so grave our forebodings, the 
 very peril of the enterprise recommended it. 
 
 As we sat there silent and thoughtful, however, 
 each member of the little party seemingly desirous 
 of viewing the matter in every possible light, it was 
 much as if the entire scheme had changed in color. 
 
 It was easy enough while we lay at anchor within 
 an hundred feet of the shore, to say that we would 
 sail down past the British fleet in the night; but 
 to do it was quite another matter, and this we un- 
 derstood more clearly the longer we speculated 
 upon it. 
 
 Seth Hartley had spoken as if believing we 
 could make the venture more readily because the 
 enemy's vessels had come up near to Governor's 
 Island ; but as I pondered over the matter it seemed 
 to me that the danger was increased thereby. We 
 would most likely find the war vessels in a cluster 
 close by the town, and if peradventure we were able 
 to pass them, then would lie in our path all the 
 
 232 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 233 
 
 transports and store-ships, any one of which must 
 have on board two or three guns at the very least, 
 the smallest of which would be sufficient to sink us 
 ofifhand. 
 
 It did not seem to me possible we could make the 
 passage, because the enemy would be on the alert, 
 and our sloop was not so small but that she would 
 attract sufficient attention to result in her being 
 overhauled. It was not probable the Britishers 
 would allow any craft to sail through their fleet 
 without knowing exactly where she was bound and 
 what her purpose, therefore would we be stopped, 
 so I figured, even if they failed of recognizing us 
 as the sloop which had escaped from the frigate, 
 and this last seemed more than possible. 
 
 Luther Stedman and his friend had given in- 
 formation concerning us when their desire for re- 
 venge was slighter than after we had taken one of 
 them a prisoner for the second time. Luther had 
 then spent considerable time and labor to bring us 
 to grief, and how much more earnestly would he 
 have worked to accomplish it again. As I figured 
 it, he had taken especial pains to spread informa- 
 tion concerning us throughout all the fleet, and the 
 proof that he would strain every effort was shown 
 in his attack upon us while we lay ofif the ferry 
 stairs. 
 
 Then again, suppose we should succeed in what 
 seemed well nigh like the impossible, and get into 
 the lower bay, what could that effect? 
 
 Abel Grant had landed near our homes on the 
 Wallabout, and if captured, as appeared to be the 
 fact, it must have been in that vicinity, therefore to 
 get any trace of him we would be forced to go 
 entirely across the island, taking all the chances of 
 
234 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 running upon the Tories, who by this time must be 
 swarming there hke angry bees. 
 
 The longer I thought of Seth Hartley's plan the 
 more impossible of execution did it appear to be, 
 and I looked around upon my comrades to learn if 
 their courage remained unshaken. 
 
 I fancied it was possible to see an expression of 
 growing distrust on Abraham's face while he was 
 apparently studying the situation, and I asked with 
 a laugh which had in it more of nervousness than 
 mirth : 
 
 " Well, Abe, what say you to runnin' the gauntlet 
 of the fleet in the Swiftsure, an' afterward, if so 
 be the little craft remains afloat, go up across the 
 island, which by this time must be literally crowded 
 with Tories and red-coats ? " 
 
 " It may not easily be done," he said thought- 
 fully. " To look forward it seems impossible, an' 
 yet I would not dwell upon the chances we must 
 take, but rather as to which would be the more 
 honest, so far as duty to our comrade is concerned. 
 Whether we are to lay here in safety, leavin' him 
 to his fate, or, takin' our lives in our hands, do 
 what little we may toward aidin' him? I am not 
 eager to give up my life, an' this is not a matter 
 in which the Cause can be benefited by our death. 
 Yet does it seem to me that we must make an ef- 
 fort, if so be no other plan presents itself, rather 
 than reproach ourselves durin' all the remainder of 
 our days, which havin' been too cowardly to raise 
 a hand in behalf of one who would have given up 
 everythin' to help us." 
 
 Abel spoke so seriously that it was as if he had 
 been reading a sermon, and I was awed by his 
 tone as well as by the words. 
 
NEWS OP ABEL. 235 
 
 It seemed to me as if he had left us no oppor- 
 tunity for discussion; but so set it down that it 
 had become our solemn duty, regardless of all dan- 
 ger, and once more I fell silent. 
 
 It appeared very much as if Sam and Seth Hart- 
 ley had been impressed in the same way as had I, 
 for we remained there idle, each busied with his 
 own thoughts, until the noon was near at hand. 
 Then, as if having forgotten some duty, Sam 
 leaped suddenly to his feet, hauling in on the cable 
 as if time was precious, and Abe asked curiously 
 what he was about. 
 
 " I'm pullin' the sloop so far in that I can wade 
 ashore, for a wettin' is necessary in order to land." 
 
 " Where are you goin' ? " 
 
 " To get a skifif, since that must be done before 
 we can set off. You are not minded that we shall 
 sail into the lower bay without means of landin' 
 save by runnin' the sloop ashore ? " 
 
 This was sufficient proof that Sam believed there 
 was no other course left us to pursue save that of 
 carrying out Seth Hartley's plan, and because I 
 was growing so nervous that action of any kind 
 was preferable to idleness, I lent a hand until the 
 bow of the sloop grated on the sand, when Sam 
 started for the shore. He gained it at no other 
 expense than a partial wetting, which on a day so 
 warm was not to be reckoned as a disaster, and 
 then, at a rapid pace, set off in the direction of 
 Master Dyker's dock. 
 
 Now that it seemed as if we were fully com- 
 mitted to the venture our tongues were loosened, 
 and while he was absent we speculated upon that 
 which was to be done as if it was no more than 
 an ordinary incident, instead of a hazard upon 
 
236 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 which our lives were staked, with the odds in favor 
 of their being lost. 
 
 It was not possible to map out any real plan of 
 action, for we must go it blindly, trusting to the 
 chapter of accidents, and hoping fortune would 
 favor; but we all decided upon standing straight 
 across to the Jersey shore, hugging close under the 
 guns of our batteries until coming to the North 
 river, and then keeping so far as might be under 
 the lee of the land, if the wind permitted, until it 
 became necessary to strike across from Staten 
 Island. 
 
 Sam came back with the skiff after having re- 
 mained absent mayhap an hour, and as he rowed to- 
 'ward us Abraham asked cheerily, with never a 
 tremor of the voice to tell of the desperate venture 
 he had in mind : 
 
 " Was Master Dyker willin' to lend a skiff, know- 
 in' that the chances were against her bein' re- 
 turned ? " ^ 
 
 " Ay, that he was not," Sam said with a laugh. 
 " I argued with him and his son in vain, an' then 
 dared them to raise a hand toward stoppin' me when 
 I took that boat which seemed most nearly fitted to 
 our purpose." 
 
 " Did they make any attempt to stop you ? " 
 
 " I didn't give 'em a chance, for two to one were 
 greater odds than I cared to have against me, there- 
 fore, takin' advantage of the opportunity when 
 Master Dyker turned his back in anger, I pulled 
 away." 
 
 " But that is neither more nor less than stealin', 
 Sam Garratt ! " I cried. 
 
 " Ay, figure it that way if you will ; but it was 
 stealin' to prevent a friend from bein' murdered, for 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 237 
 
 such is the danger in which Abel Grant stands if so 
 be the Tories have him in their power." 
 
 This was an argument which could not be an- 
 swered, and I remained silent while Sam came 
 alongside, made the skiff fast, and went into the 
 cuddy. He came out a moment later with the 
 musket in his hands, and Abe asked laughingly : 
 
 " Are you thinkin' the Britishers may make an 
 attack?" 
 
 " I am of the mind that Master Dyker will come 
 for his skiff, an' it is not my intention to let him 
 have her. He has ever claimed to be a good Whig, 
 but now that the enemy is so near at hand an' evi- 
 dently about to take possession of the town, it looks 
 much as if there was a Tory love creepin' into his 
 heart. If I am wrong, he should cheerfully give his 
 skiff to the Cause ; if my suspicions are correct, I will 
 hold her because we cannot carry out the plan pro- 
 posed by Seth without a small boat." 
 
 I know not why, but Sam's resolute bearing 
 heartened me wondrously; the idea of his taking 
 forcible possession of Master Dyker's property in 
 order that we might set about the work of rescue, 
 and allowing to hold her at the muzzle of a mus- 
 ket, sent a fellow's blood tingling through his veins, 
 and I almost forgot what awaited us once we set off. 
 
 Master Dyker did not come, however, perhaps 
 because he was ashamed of himself for having re- 
 fused to lend a well-nigh worthless skiff for such 
 a purpose, and again, perhaps, because he suspected 
 what might be the result if he tried to take her 
 from us. 
 
 How the remainder of that day passed I cannot 
 well say; but the hours dragged as if they would 
 never come to an end, and there were times when 
 
238 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 I could have sworn the sun stood still in the heav- 
 ens. We were not inclined for conversation; there 
 was nothing with which to occupy our hands, save 
 we were minded to cook dinner, and under the cir- 
 cumstances our stomachs revolted at the thought 
 of food. 
 
 We moped in the cockpit and in the cuddy like 
 a lot of sick chickens, and when finally the night 
 shut in, bringing a gusty wind with scurrying 
 clouds which told of thunder showers, we were 
 more relieved in mind than I can well describe. 
 
 " It seems that we are to have it our way at the 
 start," Seth Hartley said as he stood well forward 
 peering into the gathering gloom in the direction of 
 Governor's Island. " If the makin's of this night 
 had been left to ourselves, we could not have cut 
 out a better one for the purpose. I'm thinkin' 
 that a cruise down through the fleet will ba quick 
 an' easy with all the wind the sloop can stand up 
 under." 
 
 It would have been a relief to all of us if we could 
 have set off at that moment, for the suspense of 
 waiting was far more trying than the danger of 
 the venture; but yet we know without speculating 
 upon it, that it would not be well to come upon the 
 fleet in the early evening, unless peradventure there 
 were signs that the threatening clouds might be dis- 
 persed, and Seth Hartley voiced the opinion of all 
 when he said in the tone of one who asks a ques- 
 tion: 
 
 " I'm thinkin' it will be wiser for us to make a 
 start nearabout midnight, if so be there is no 
 change in the weather, an' with this wind the run 
 from here to whatsoever part of the island you 
 count on landin', will be a short one." 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 239 
 
 " I see no reason why we should not strike the 
 shore at the first point where it may be done," Abe 
 said thoughtfully. " If we could get into Gowanus 
 cove we might sail up the creek a long distance, 
 an' thus save us much foot travel." 
 
 " Ay, an' the chances are that the king's ships 
 will be nearabout us," Sam suggested, and Seth 
 Hartley replied grimly: 
 
 " No more in one place than another, an' if you 
 who know the island believe it were better for us to 
 make up the creek, then accordin' to my mind there 
 is no more danger in that venture than any other. 
 Therefore let us decide before startin' that we will 
 put in at the place you have named." 
 
 The evening passed yet more slowly than had 
 the day; but we gathered a little hope each mo- 
 ment because the threatening clouds, instead of dis- 
 persing, were gathering more thickly, and the 
 wind came now and then in such volume as told 
 that before daybreak the craft which ventured out 
 of the harbor would do so under close-reefed canvas. 
 
 Even though we had known our venture was 
 certain to end in death, I believe of a verity we 
 would still have felt a certain sense of relief when 
 the moment came for putting the plan into execu- 
 tion, because it was as if each moment we remained 
 there at anchor the suspense became greater. 
 
 It was not necessary any one give the word for the 
 beginning of the voyage. When, as nearly as we 
 could judge, it lacked no more than an hour of mid- 
 night, Seth Hartley rose to his feet, for we had all 
 been sitting in the cockpit, and as he did so we fol- 
 lowed his example, each one doing that which was 
 necessary for getting the sloop under way without a 
 word having been spoken. 
 
24° THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 It was not a night on which any one would ven- 
 ture out save of necessity. There was a reasonably 
 heavy sea in the inner harbor, giving token of what 
 would be found in more open water, and the fitful 
 wind tore at the canvas when we loosened it, as if 
 with giant hands. Under ordinary conditions two 
 of us could readily have made sail; but on this 
 night all hands were needed before we had the 
 mainsail hoisted with a single reef. 
 
 I went to the helm because no one else offered to 
 do so, and the Swiftsure darted on like a mad 
 thing when we were come where the full weight 
 of the wind could be had, sending the spray mast- 
 head-high, and snoring into it like a line-of-battle- 
 ship. 
 
 No person hailed us from the shore even when 
 we were passing the batteries where I had fancied 
 we might be called upon to give an account of our- 
 selves, and as we stretched across for the Jersey 
 shore, opening up the water to the westward of 
 Governor's Island, it was as if all that portion of 
 the bay was studded thickly with points of light, 
 telling of the British fleet. One would have said 
 that it would be impossible to thread our way among 
 them in the darkness, without coming afoul of 
 one craft or another. 
 
 If nothing had depended upon my seamanship, 
 that is to say, had we been out simply for our own 
 pleasure, or on ordinary business, with little of im- 
 portance depending upon the outcome, I should not 
 have distrusted my ability to handle the sloop, al- 
 though the weather was what could truly have been 
 called nasty. But with the lives of all our party 
 depending upon the skill and ready wit which might 
 be shown, I trembled for myself, fearing through 
 
NEtVS OP ABEL. 24 1 
 
 some blunder my comrades would come to grief. 
 
 " There's one thing about it," Abe said as he 
 clawed his way aft while the Swiftsure danced 
 like a cork upon the heavy swell, " we cannot well 
 heave to, no matter how many of the king's officers 
 so command, an' it will be a case of the English 
 sailors showin' what they can do with oars, if the 
 lobster-backs count on boardin' us." 
 
 " It would be well if all hands stood on the look- 
 out, for with so much spray comin' aboard I'm not 
 havin' the best chance to see what course to steer," 
 I- said, not minded to discuss the possibilities just 
 then. 
 
 " Sam and Seth Hartley are in the bow, an' I 
 came aft to trim ship, for she was too much by the 
 head with all three forward. There's one thing 
 certain, we can't make Gowanus cove without 
 tackin', an' that's likely to be a nice job with so 
 many vessels in the way." 
 
 " It's more likely we'll be overhauled before get- 
 tin' that far," I replied, hoping to still his tongue 
 by reminding him of the peril, for conversing when 
 a fellow feels irritable and nervous is not pleasing. 
 
 The sloop dashed on as if eager to come upon 
 the enemy. It seemed to me that we had never 
 seen her show one-half the speed she did on this 
 night when we were bearing down upon the king's 
 fleet, and while I would not have checked the 
 pace, yet were we moving too swiftly for comfort, 
 although one having more courage than I, might 
 say that the quicker the danger was encountered the 
 better, since it saved a disagreeable time of suspense. 
 
 I believed less than half an hour had elapsed from 
 the time we weighed anchor, before we were run- 
 ning under the quarter of the frigate which lay 
 
242 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 nearest the Jersey shore, and those on board may 
 have hailed us a dozen times without our bein^ 
 aware of the fact, so great was the noise made by 
 the wind and the water; but when we were come 
 directly astern, within half a musket-shot, I should 
 say, some one cried out from the quarter-deck. 
 
 " They must be lubbers not to understand that 
 we can't come about here," Abe said angrily, and I 
 replied with a laugh, for courage was returning as 
 the danger grew thicker: 
 
 " It makes no difference what they think, we're 
 bound to keep movin' now, or throw the mast out 
 of her. If those lobster-backs count on stoppin' 
 her, it's time they got their firearms ready, else we 
 shall be out of range." 
 
 It was as if we had no more than passed this 
 ship when we were close aboard of another, and 
 this time when the wind brought the faintest echo 
 of some sentinel's voice, a tiny flash of flame fol- 
 lowed, telling that whosoever was on duty had dis- 
 charged his musket. But no report was heard for 
 the wind would have swallowed up even the roar 
 of a cannon, and as for the missile, it went out to 
 sea, very like. 
 
 I had no time to think of what the Britishers 
 might do. It required all my skill and strength 
 to avoid the numerous craft in the way, and even 
 when from one ship, after we had passed to wind- 
 ward of her, there came a crackling of musketry 
 which told that the fellow had fired point blank at 
 us, I had no time to give heed to it. It was enough 
 that we were not harmed. 
 
 The wind was increasing momentarily, and grow- 
 ing more spiteful all the while. The sloop pitched 
 and plunged as if she had been in the open sea. 
 

 i^- 
 
 ||P!r>ife^^jfijfcL^ -4i^%Rfl^^^^^^-^'k« 
 
 i^ ■' • 
 ^-■-0 
 
 *' «*«!!« 
 
 
 
 ' ' THEY DO NOT DARE TO PITCH 
 
 US ! '" 
 
 A HEAVY SHOT AT 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 243 
 
 Staggering under the weight of canvas that was 
 more than I would have believed she could have 
 carried, had I given heed to the matter. 
 
 Common prudence should have dictated our reef- 
 ing close down; but we had no time to think of it. 
 
 It was a case of carrying all and taking the 
 chances, and this we did in good and plenty during 
 the hour when we threaded our way in and out 
 among the ships, sometimes hearing the reports of 
 the weapons as the guard fired in token for us to 
 heave to; again seeing only the flashing of the 
 muskets, until I came to understand that the many 
 ships at anchor which had seemed to me would 
 prove so dangerous, was in reality our safety, for 
 they were anchored so near together that had a 
 heavy gun been fired at us the chances were more 
 in favor of damage being done to one of the con- 
 sorts. 
 
 " They do not dare to pitch a heavy shot at us ! " 
 Abe said gleefully as he clung to the rail lest he be 
 washed overboard, for the volume of water which 
 came across our decks threatened each instant to 
 swamp the little sloop. 
 
 It was as if that fever which is said to come 
 upon one during the excitement of battle had taken 
 possession of me, for I lost all consciousness of self, 
 and seemed to be only a portion of the gallant little 
 craft which was struggling so desperately and val- 
 iantly to bear us safely past our enemies. I felt 
 her leap beneath me as I clutched with all my 
 strength at the tiller to hold her on the proper 
 course, and there were times when I may have cried 
 aloud in triumph because of the brave effort which 
 she was making. 
 
 That sloop which we had built from keel to mast- 
 
244 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 head was to me on this night a living thing, and 
 I would have sworn she was conscious of what de- 
 pended upon her. 
 
 I wish it were possible for me to set down a 
 description of that mad sail in such words that he 
 who reads would be able to see it as I felt it. I 
 believe of a verity that we were fired upon by the 
 sentries of every second vessel in all that fleet, and 
 yet never once did I hear a missile strike us. We 
 stood up and across twice before making the mouth 
 of the cove, therefore passed some of the ships three 
 times, so that their guards had ample opportunity 
 to make ready for us ; but the little Swiftsure danced 
 about so lively that, in the darkness, they might 
 as well have tried to hit one of the stars. 
 
 Just as we entered the mouth of the cove the 
 thunder clouds broke, and the water seemingly came 
 down in solid sheets, while the wind roared as if a 
 hurricane was raging. It was the wildest storm I 
 ever saw, and the small boat that was exposed to 
 its fury must have foundered in a twinkling. 
 
 While we were tacking to make the cove Abra- 
 ham said to me, forced to scream in my ear other- 
 wise I could not have heard the words: 
 
 " When we get into the cove it will be a question 
 of takin' to our heels, leavin' the sloop to her fate, 
 for the Britishers will put after us, knowin' we are 
 in a trap." 
 
 I felt firmly convinced that such would be the 
 case, and said to myself that to abandon the Swift- 
 sure after she had borne us so bravely, was much 
 like turning one's back on a comrade ; but when the 
 storm burst I knew beyond a peradventure that the 
 British would do no boat-chasing until we had had 
 time to look after our craft. 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 245 
 
 As we glided into the comparatively still water 
 of the cove Sam came aft jubilantly happy, saying 
 as he danced in the cockpit regardless of the tor- 
 rents of water which were like to have drowned 
 him: 
 
 " It was mighty lucky for us that the ships were 
 anchored so near together! Seth said they 
 wouldn't dare to fire anythin' larger than a mus- 
 ket-ball; but there were times when I held my 
 breath, expectin' to see the flash of a big gun." 
 
 " They haven't got a gunner aboard the fleet who 
 could have hit this sloop while she was stormin' 
 along at such a rate ! " Abraham cried triumphantly. 
 " Here I've spent nearly the whole day dreadin' 
 the venture of runnin' through the fleet, an' yet it 
 has been done, because we own the best boat in the 
 colony, as easy as rollin' off a log!" 
 
 " It isn't well to crow very much just yet," I 
 replied, feeling not a little irritated to hear him 
 speak as if all the danger was passed. " We are 
 here in the cove where the Britishers can take us 
 when they get good an' ready." 
 
 " But we're not countin' on stayin' many min- 
 utes." 
 
 " Ay, but then they can work their will on the 
 sloop, an' after what she has done this night, I feel 
 toward her as one does toward a comrade who has 
 stood at his ba,ck in a hot fight. Then, when we 
 have left her to the lobster-backs, we must face 
 both Tories an' Britishers, who are coverin' the 
 land as did the locusts at the time of the plague." 
 
 " Starboard ! Starboard unless you're minded 
 to plump into a mud-bank ! " Seth Hartley cried 
 from his station in the bow, and I put a stopper on 
 my tongue lest at the very moment when it seemed 
 
246 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 that we had escaped, I come to grief by running 
 ashore. 
 
 Well, in order to shorten what promises to be an 
 overly long story, I will content myself by saying 
 only that we ran the full length of the creek, when 
 we were come to a thicket on both banks, amid the 
 foliage of which the gallant little sloop would be 
 partially screened from view, and then we made 
 ready for the tramp, counting that we could not 
 afford to wait until the storm cleared away, for 
 while it was raging we might advance with some 
 assurance of being undisturbed. 
 
 We lingered only long enough to furl the wet can- 
 vas and stop it so far that the wind could not blow 
 it about. Then we stuffed into our pockets and 
 the bosoms of our shirts as much of provisions as 
 could be carried without inconvenience, and Abra- 
 ham burdened himself with the musket and ammu- 
 nition, although I argued that we would be better 
 off without any weapon, rather than only one 
 among four. 
 
 " I'll take my chances with one, instead of goin' 
 empty-handed because all can't be equipped," he 
 said grimly. " I don't count on bein' made pris- 
 oner by either Britisher or Tory if a stout fight will 
 prevent." 
 
 " Better a live dog than a dead lion," Seth Hart- 
 ley said with a grimace. " If we come upon ene- 
 mies, an' you see I'm countin' the English as much 
 my foes as yours, it will be in considerable body, 
 an' it's better to submit, in the hope of escapin' 
 later, than lose a life." 
 
 In this I fully agreed with Seth, but it could 
 be plainly seen that Sam and Abe feared impris- 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 247 
 
 onment on board a British ship more than they did 
 death. 
 
 There was no indication that the storm was 
 about to abate, when we stepped from the rail of 
 the sloop to the shore. The rain was coming down 
 literally in sheets, and even though we had not 
 been drenched before making the cove, our gar- 
 ments would have been saturated within three min- 
 utes after we came out of the cuddy. 
 
 It had already been decided that if we succeeded 
 in passing through the fleet our efforts should be 
 bent on gaining the shore of Wallabout, for only 
 in that vicinity could we hope to get any tidings 
 of Abel Grant. 
 
 As a matter of course I was familiar with the 
 country hereabout, but Abe claimed sufficient knowl- 
 edge to make his way through the swamp, for, as 
 every one knows, the land bordering the creek is 
 marshy, therefore he took the lead, we following 
 in single file, never raising our voices above a whis- 
 per after leaving the sloop. 
 
 Again did it seem as if our fears during the day 
 just passed were all in the way of alarm that was 
 like to come during the venture, for we plodded 
 straight along through the rain without hearing 
 or seeing any sign of an enemy, and a good hour 
 before daybreak were come to the shanty in which 
 lived Peter Snyder, an old man who had ever been 
 friendly to the Cause and us Whigs. 
 
 He had no family; two cats were his only com- 
 panions, and some of the island gossipers declared 
 he was a witch, giving as proof the fact that he 
 seldom went out fishing without taking the animals 
 with him. 
 
248 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 So far as could be told in the darkness and the 
 storm, Peter had remained undisturbed while the 
 Britishers were over-running the land, and Sam 
 said to me as we crept cautiously up to the hut : 
 
 " It seems that we were born in the woods to 
 be scared by an owl. The idea that we have spent 
 twenty hours or more shakin' in our boots because 
 of the dangers to be encountered, an' have come 
 thus far as safely as if there was never a Britisher 
 or Tory in the world, is something of which to be 
 ashamed." 
 
 " Don't begin to crow too soon," I cautioned 
 again, and then Abe, with his mouth close to the 
 crack of the door, called Peter by name. 
 
 The old man could not have been a heavy sleeper, 
 for in considerably less than five minutes he had 
 admitted us and learned why we were come at such 
 an hour. 
 
 " You had best go back, if so be you can," Peter 
 said in a sorrowful tone. " This island is no place 
 for Whigs, though I'm not thinkin' of runnin' away 
 'cause I'm not of enough account to tempt an at- 
 tack." 
 
 " But we have come to find some trace of Abel 
 Grant, an' don't count on turnin' tail till the work 
 has been done," I said stoutly, for I felt very brave 
 just then. 
 
 " Then there is nothin' here to keep you, for it's 
 too late to help Abel," the old man said mournfully, 
 as he began using flint and steel in order to throw 
 a spark on the tinder, that he might light the wick 
 which floated in a gourd of oil. 
 
 " Too late ! Is he dead ? " Sam cried sharply, 
 and Peter, still striving to catch a spark, replied : 
 
 " It's worse ithan that, lad, as I look at it. I 
 
NEWS OF ABEL. 249 
 
 was within sight of Abel when Luther Stedman 
 pointed him out to a squad of red-coats, an' they 
 made short work of it. Abel was talkin' with that 
 cousin of his who married the Tory Simson, never 
 dreamin' of danger any more than did I, when who 
 should show up but Luther with a backin' of Brit- 
 ishers." 
 
 " What did they do with him ? " I asked breath- 
 lessly. 
 
 " Marched the poor fellow off after shacklin' his 
 hands behind him, an' if ever a man got a dressin' 
 down, it was Luther when Abel's cousin broke loose 
 on him for what he'd done." 
 
 " But that didn't mend matters ! " Abraham cried 
 impatiently. " Tell us what became of Abel ! " 
 
 " He was marched off, as I've said, an' this 
 mornin' his cousin told me that Luther was 'round 
 braggin' 'bout his havin' been put aboard a ship 
 that's lyin' in Gravesend bay. She ain't what they 
 call a vessel of war," the old man continued as he 
 succeeded in lighting the wick, thereby bringing to 
 life a flame so feeble that it did little more than 
 show how dark it was. " Some of the folks say 
 she's been moored there to serve as prison ship for 
 the Whigs that were taken durin' the battle, an' 
 I've heard there are crowds of our people held by 
 the king's troops." 
 
 Surely it seemed to me that we had risked our 
 lives uselessly, for if Abel was really imprisoned 
 on one of the British ships, the only hope of his 
 release lay in General Washington's being able to 
 whip the enemy offhand, and that, from what I had 
 seen in New York, could not be dreamed of even 
 by the staunchest Whig that ever drew breath. 
 
 " Where is Gravesend bay? " Seth Hartley asked 
 
2SO THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 after we four had stood staring at each other a full 
 minute while old Pete set about building a fire as if 
 to cook breakfast for us. 
 
 But few words were needed to give the informa- 
 tion desired, and then Sam said impatiently): 
 
 " No good can come of our standin' here idle. 
 Shall we try to hunt out* our friends on Wall- 
 about?" 
 
 " There's .little use of lookin' there for Whigs, 
 lad," old Peter said sorrowfully. " I'm the only 
 one left on the island, so far as I can make out; all 
 save the Tories took to their heels when it was 
 known that General Washington counted on beatin' 
 a retreat." 
 
 " Do you know where my people went? " I asked 
 eagerly. 
 
 " No ; but it stands to reason they're on the New 
 York side somewhere. Tell me, can our army hold 
 the town?" 
 
 Before I could answer the question Seth Hartley 
 said sharply, as if something had suddenly angered 
 him: 
 
 " This is no place for you, lads. If you count 
 on goin' to Gravesend, you should make the best 
 speed now while it rains so hard that your ene- 
 mies will likely keep under cover." 
 
 "Count on goin' to Gravesend?" I repeated. 
 "What could we do there?" 
 
 " Make a try at f reein' Abel Grant ! Surely you 
 don't reckon on holdin' back now when you know 
 how sorely he's needin' you ! " 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE PRISON SHIP. 
 
 Even at the time when my mind was in such a 
 whirl, I reahzed what a reproach it was to us so- 
 called Minute Boys that it should have been our 
 prisoner — a Britisher, who reminded us of duty, 
 for until Seth Hartley spoke neither of us three had 
 even dreamed of making so daring, and as it then 
 seemed, useless a venture. 
 
 If Seth had dealt us a series of blows we could 
 not have been more astonished than we were during 
 sixty seconds after he spoke, and then Abraham 
 said quickly, as if like myself he was ashamed be- 
 cause of not having been the first to realize what 
 was our duty : 
 
 " Of course we'll make a try at freein' Abel 
 Grant, even though there don't seem to be any 
 chance we can succeed. If he has been taken on 
 board one of the ships, I fail to see how we may 
 lend him any aid, therefore, Seth Hartley, if you 
 can cook up a plan, let us know what it is ! " 
 
 " That's a good bit beyond me," the Britisher re- 
 plied with a smile. " The only idea in my mind 
 was that, havin' come out to lend Abel a hand, an' 
 havin' got so far on the road, we're bound to make 
 some kind of a try. What that may be can only be 
 told when we're on the ground, where it will be 
 251 
 
252 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 possible to see how he's fixed. This much is cer- 
 tain, however, that if we should pull him through it 
 wouldn't be the only prisoner the English have 
 lost since comin' to this port," and he looked at us 
 wisely, whereat I cried, enthused by his words: 
 
 " You are right, Seth. No matter where he may 
 be, his position can't be any more desperate than 
 was ours when we were made fast to the frigate 
 with you standin' guard over us ! Then a way was 
 opened, an' I'm beginnin' to have faith that some- 
 thin' of the same kind will turn up in this case." 
 
 Peter Snyder appeared to be absolutely fright- 
 ened at hearing such a proposition. To him the 
 fact that Abel Grant was shut up in a prison ship, 
 was much the same as if the poor fellow had al- 
 ready died and was buried. 
 
 " You lads are worse than crazy to think of any 
 such hair-brained venture as pitting yourselves 
 against the Britishers ! " he cried. " How will it 
 be possible for you to get on board the ship unless 
 you go as prisonei's? Even if you could do that, 
 how might there be a show to lend him a hand, 
 guarded as we know he must be? " 
 
 " If we could answer your question, Peter, the 
 work would already be mapped out," Abraham re- 
 plied with a laugh. " It may be, an' so it really 
 seems just now, that you're in the right; but the 
 same can be said for Seth Hartley. There's a 
 chance something will come up to give us an op- 
 portunity, for we are nearby the ship, and however 
 small that chance may be, it's vastly better than to 
 turn our backs on the poor fellow." 
 
 Peter was neither silenced nor convinced. To 
 him it was as if we were going to certain death when 
 we turned our faces toward Gravesend bay, and he 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 253 
 
 begged most piteously, as if his own life was at 
 stake, that we would not venture our heads into 
 the lion's jaws when there seemed to be no possi- 
 bility we could withdraw them. 
 
 " That you should feel thus keenly for our dan- 
 ger shows you to be a true friend, Peter Snyder," 
 Sam said when we were all wearied by the old 
 man entreaties. " We would be bound to go even 
 though it could be told in advance that no good 
 would come of the attempt, an' the greatest favor 
 you can do us now is to say nothin' more about it, 
 lest the courage which Seth Hartley aroused ooze 
 out at our fingers' ends." 
 
 " At least you will wait until the day breaks," 
 Peter insisted, turning to the fireplace. " I shall 
 have breakfast for you in a twinklin', an' he who 
 goes forth on a full stomach is better prepared to 
 meet whatsoever may come, than he who is hun- 
 
 gry-" 
 
 " We should be fillin' our stomachs at the ex- 
 pense of our necks," and Abraham tried to speak 
 in a jovial tone. "Already has it cost us no little 
 of courage to resist your entreaties, for a fellow 
 doesn't hanker to breast such a storm as this; but 
 while the darkness continues we may travel more 
 safely than when day has come." 
 
 " In that you are right, lad," and Seth Hartley 
 buckled his belt the tighter, as if making prepara- 
 tions for the journey. " You have not only Tory 
 enemies; but British troops are here in plenty, 
 an' it is in my mind that unless you may get to 
 the bay before daylight, it will be a case of layin' 
 in hidin' until another night shuts down." 
 
 The idea of spending the day in hiding, without 
 a chance to dry our saturated garments, was in it- 
 
254 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 self, if there had been no other, an incentive to be- 
 gin the journey without further delay, and we lit- 
 erally pushed our way past Peter Snyder to the 
 door, for the old man really attempted to detain us 
 by force, so great was his fear that we were going 
 to certain death. 
 
 " If you should live to be convinced that you 
 can't hope to prevail against the enemy, an' are in 
 need of a shelter, you'll come straight here," he said 
 imploringly, as if asking the greatest of favors 
 for himself. 
 
 " We'll come, Peter Snyder, whether in need of 
 a shelter or not, if only to thank you for havin' so 
 much of an interest in our welfare," I said, and 
 truly I felt grateful to the old man because of the 
 friendship which he displayed. " An' you'll hear 
 from us again whether we succeed or fail, for des- 
 perate though the venture seems to you, I am of 
 the mind that the Britishers won't get away with the 
 whole of us — at least one will be spared to tell 
 the story." 
 
 Then we went out into the night and the rain, 
 finding the exercise of walking grateful rather than 
 otherwise, for we had remained inactive so long 
 that our wet garments clung to us, and, warm 
 though the night was, we were chilled. 
 
 Now to any one who knows the trend of the land 
 on Long Island from the head of Gowanus creek 
 to Gravesend bay, the journey which lay before 
 us will not appear to be any serious undertaking, 
 for as the crow flies, I question if the distance be 
 above six miles ; but, as it appeared to me when we 
 set out, we could count on being forced to cover 
 at least ten miles because of the many detours in 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 255 
 
 order to avoid the enemy, and the cHmbing of the 
 hills. 
 
 We held a sort of council when we first left 
 Peter Snyder's hut, to decide whether we might 
 venture directly to Gravesend village, and from 
 there to the shore, or if we had best give a wide 
 berth to all settlements regardless of the extra 
 amount of trouble and labor involved. 
 
 We decided upon the latter plan, and with Abra- 
 ham leading the way while I brought up the rear, 
 set our faces toward the point of danger, as reso- 
 lute as if we outnumbered the enemy two to one. 
 
 Unfortunately, or so it seemed to me, the rain 
 ceased falling nearabout daybreak; the sun came 
 out bright, and we could set it down as a certainty 
 that every lobster-back on the island would be astir 
 within the hour. 
 
 Up to this time, as nearly as I could guess, we 
 had traveled on a zigzag course mayhap four miles, 
 keeping to the thickets as much as possible, and 
 never venturing even on a beaten path. 
 
 It was when the day had fully dawned that Seth 
 Hartley called us to a halt, by stopping suddenly and 
 looking about as if in search of something, whereat 
 I asked curiously: 
 
 " What do you expect to find here ? " 
 
 " A hidin' place." 
 
 " But surely we may keep on a couple of miles 
 further," Sam cried. " The day is so young that 
 there will be few astir within the next hour." 
 
 " An' there's no reason why we should take the 
 chances of encounterin' those few," Seth said de- 
 cidedly. " I want you lads to keep up your cour- 
 age; but at the same time don't make the mistake 
 
2S6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 of belittlin' the difficulties. If we're so fortunate 
 as to be able to lend Abel Grant a hand, it can only 
 come about through our playin' the fox instead of 
 the lion, an' the time spent on the journey is as 
 nothin' compared with the possibility of lettin' the 
 enemy know that we are on the island." 
 
 " Then you would have us lie under cover all 
 day ? " Abe asked irritably. 
 
 " Ay, for the next three days, if thereby we can 
 keep the more secret our movements. Do you 
 know of any place nearabout that will serve us ? " 
 
 " On the other side of this hill is a sort of cave 
 made by takin' out rock for a fort at Red Hook, 
 an' I dare say we could find there somethin' in the 
 way of a shelter, although in case the lobster-backs 
 were on our trail, it wouldn't be difficult to smoke 
 us out," and Abe pointed in the direction of the old 
 quarry, as we lads called it, although hardly more 
 than a year had elapsed since it was first opened. 
 
 " Then if so be you're willin', we'll take to cover 
 without delay. Don't make the mistake of thinkin' 
 that I'm tryin' to take command of this party," 
 Seth Hartley added quickly, mistaking the expres- 
 sion on my face. " I'm ready to do whatsoever 
 you shall think best; but at the same time am beg- 
 gin' you, for your own safety, to follow my ad- 
 vice." 
 
 How could we do other than as he suggested? 
 
 There could be no question but that he was in 
 the right, and surely if Abel Grant was already on 
 board the prison ship it mattered little whether we 
 arrived within one day or ten, for if there was to 
 be a successful issue of our plans, it could only come 
 about through our keeping secret every movement. 
 
 Abraham led us by the most direct course to what 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 257 
 
 had been called a quarry, although it was little more 
 than an excavation, with huge fragments of rock 
 lying everywhere about, amid which could be no 
 difficulty in hiding ourselves, and, save by acci- 
 dent, there was little fear either Tory or Britisher 
 would come that way. 
 
 We were not obliged to spend many moments in 
 searching for what was desired. On going straight 
 into the quarry we came upon the place where evi- 
 dently the last blast had been made, and the rock 
 shattered by the powder had not yet been removed. 
 There we found a space no larger than the cuddy of 
 the sloop, where we would be sheltered from view 
 of any save those who might make an exhaustive 
 search, and I question if there was a better hiding- 
 place on the island, for such as we. 
 
 " This is snug enough," Sam said as we crawled 
 in and began clearing away the smaller pieces of 
 rock to admit of our sitting down with some de- 
 gree of comfort ; " but the trouble is that we've got 
 fifteen long hours to spend here." 
 
 " Ay, fully that," Seth said cheerily, " for if you 
 are correct as to the distance between us an' the 
 bay, we ought not to set out again before midnight, 
 therefore I'm countin' that we can spend the time 
 profitably since the sleep we should have gotten last 
 night is yet to be enjoyed." 
 
 I could well fancy that Sam's impatience at being 
 forced to remain so long in one place was much the 
 same as that which troubled me. While we were 
 on the move, seemingly accomplishing something, 
 it was not difficult to keep one's courage screwed 
 to the sticking point ; but I knew full well that when 
 we had nothing with which to occupy ourselves save 
 the passing of time, a realization of that which lay 
 
258 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 in the near future would come upon us. In other 
 words, I feared that inactivity would breed timor- 
 ousness. 
 
 Well, it could not be helped, since there was no 
 question but that we should keep under cover dur- 
 ing the hours of daylight, and I followed Seth 
 Hartley's example by making for myself as comfort- 
 able a bed as might be had amid the rocky frag- 
 ments, and, this done, betook myself to courting 
 sleep as a means of banishing unpleasant thoughts 
 or dismal forebodings. 
 
 It seems strange to me now that I could have lost 
 myself in the unconsciousness of slumber so quickly, 
 knowing all the possibilities of the future; but it 
 is a fact that I was hardly more than stretched out 
 on the hard bed when I crossed over into Dream- 
 land. 
 
 I must have remained thus happily unconscious 
 many hours, for on awakening it could be seen by 
 the absence of the sunlight which had penetrated 
 our hiding place when we first entered, that the 
 day was nearly spent. 
 
 I was for leaping to my feet at once, because 
 long remaining in one position had cramped my 
 limbs; but before I could do more than raise my 
 head Sam's hand was pressed over my mouth, and 
 I had sufficient sense to understand that there was 
 reason why silence be maintained. 
 
 Of course my first thought was that the enemy 
 must be near at hand, and pressing Sam's arm to 
 let him know that his cautionary signal was under- 
 stood, I slowly and noiselessly raised myself to a 
 sitting posture, observing that all my comrades 
 were awake and gazing intently out through the 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 259 
 
 apertures between the rocks that were loosely piled 
 in front of us. 
 
 Then I could hear the hum of voices, and be- 
 lieving that the Tories might have found our trail 
 on the wet earth, I crept cautiously to where it was 
 possible for me to have a view of the entrance to 
 the quarry. 
 
 There, much to my surprise, I saw four Brit- 
 ishers — marines I took them to be, because of the 
 fact that they were clad in the same uniform as 
 that worn by Seth Hartley when we made him pris- 
 oner. They were smoking, and had the appearance 
 of men who had halted on a leisurely journey, 
 rather than resting from the fatigues of a chase. 
 
 The first words which came to my ears were 
 evidently a portion of an answer to some remarks: 
 
 " I don't like it, I tell you. I'm ready to do my 
 full duty when it comes to what you might call real 
 fightin'; but this huntin' down men an' boys sim- 
 ply because they do not happen to have the same 
 opinions as we, ain't what I call manly." 
 
 Of a verity these were startling words to come 
 from the mouth of one who had sailed across the 
 sea to rivet yet more firmly the fetters which op- 
 pression had bound upon us; but my astonishment 
 was not as great as it would have been had we 
 not already made the acquaintance of Seth Hart- 
 ley. 
 
 " What can you do when the orders are given ? " 
 a second voice asked, and the first speaker replied: 
 
 " Do ! Why obey them, of course. That's what 
 we're here for; but at the same time it may not set 
 well on an honest man's stomach. I'm not thinkin' 
 that perhaps the lout we carried down to the ship 
 
26o THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 wasn't deservin' of bein' stowed away ; but it wasn't 
 for any crime against the king that he went, mark 
 you that! The snivelHn' lump who claimed such a 
 love for his majesty, was payin' off a personal 
 score, else I'm much mistaken, an' this bein' made 
 a cat's-paw of by them as claim to be so bloomin' 
 loyal to the crown when they don't care a farthin's 
 worth of silver spoons for it, ain't to my likin'." 
 
 My heart beat fast and violently. Could it be 
 that these men were speaking of Abel Grant, and 
 had been sent by our lucky stars to this very point 
 that we might get the information of which we 
 stood in need ? 
 
 " In a rebellion like this, matey, it stands to rea- 
 son there'll be a lot of private quarrels settled in just 
 such a one-sided fashion as I reckon that young 
 brute ^settled his last night. I've got no great love 
 for these colonists who claim that the only desire 
 they have got in life is to serve the king. What I 
 claim is, that if a man has come over seas to settle 
 down in a place like this, he should hang with his 
 neighbors — their quarrels should be his, an' I'm 
 looking upon this breed of cattle which the Ameri- 
 cans call Tories, with precious little likin'; but it 
 ain't for you nor me to say whether such an arrest 
 as we have just had a hand in, is right or not. 
 It's a case of obeyin' orders, matey, even though 
 it goes agin the grain, an' I'm thinkin' we'll get a 
 good many more of the same sort, especially after 
 the town has been taken." 
 
 " Well, it's a beastly shame, put it as you will, 
 that men wearin' the king's uniform should lend 
 themselves to such work as has just been done. 
 That young Tory who showed us where to find the 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 26 1 
 
 prisoner, did his best to get in a few blows, wlien 
 he knew they couldn't be returned; but I whis- 
 pered to the fellow we had in charge that if he'd 
 give me his word not to run, I'd show him a 
 chance to use his fists, if so be the informer got too 
 rash, an' I'd have done it, too, with a right good 
 will, for I hated the sneak the minute I heard he 
 wanted to denounce one of his neighbors." 
 
 I was getting to have a better opinion of these 
 soldiers which the king had sent against us, and a 
 conversation such as we were overhearing then did 
 much toward taking away the personal enmity I 
 had always felt tov^ard the lobster-backs. They 
 were in the same position as Seth Hartley had been, 
 sworn on enlisting to serwj his majesty, and were 
 but doing their duty w'hen they fired upon us Amer- 
 icans. Yet all this might they do, and not relish 
 the task. 
 
 I strained my ears to hear more of the conversa- 
 tion; but it had come to an end, for the man had 
 relieved his mind concerning Luther Stedman, or 
 some other of the same kidney, and was done with 
 his grumbling for the time being. Not another 
 word was spoken, so far as I could hear, and within 
 a short time the sound of footsteps told that the 
 visitors were departing. 
 
 "Who were they talking about?" I whispered 
 eagerly to Abraham as soon as it seemed safe to 
 speak, and he replied: 
 
 " I can't say for certain ; but it strikes me that it 
 might be Abel Grant an' Luther Stedman. Whether 
 it was or no, however, that marine was a decent 
 fellow, an' had a fair opinion of the Tories." 
 
 At this point Seth Hartley laid his hand on my 
 
262 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 arm to command attention, as he said almost sol- 
 emnly : 
 
 " That marine was a mate of mine. He was 
 drafted, as was I, to the ship Good Hope, an' if so 
 be she's bein' used as a prison hulk, I'm thinkin' our 
 dream of lendin' aid to Abel Grant stands in a fair 
 way of bein' realized. Barney Nelson, he who was 
 grumblin', is a good deal of a man, and has the 
 right idea about you colonists. H so be matters 
 are as I think, an' we could come to have private 
 speech with him, I'm believin' a full half of the 
 work would be done." 
 
 I could hardly believe my ears. That we should 
 have thus come upon, or, I might say, thus been 
 visited by a comrade of Seth's seemed almost in- 
 credible, and that the very ship from which we had 
 escaped was the one where we could count on find- 
 ing Abel Grant, seemed too strange a coincidence 
 to be true. 
 
 " Is it likely that she would be the one selected 
 as a prison ship ? " I asked" hurriedly. 
 
 " As well her as another, lad. It seems to me 
 that it must be, otherwise why is Barney engaged 
 in escortin' prisoners to and fro ? " 
 
 " An' you believe he would lend a hand in the 
 freein' of Abel?" 
 
 " I'm not goin' so far as to say that, Ephraim 
 Lyttle; but this you may count on, that if Barney, 
 without breaking the oath he took, can serve us in 
 any way, he'll do it. It's a big point in our favor, 
 however he may look at the matter, if we have a 
 friend among those who man the prison ship." 
 
 " But if he is on duty there, how did he happen 
 to come here ? " I asked like a simple, and Seth very 
 properly shut my mouth by saying : 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 263 
 
 " That's a question you don't expect I can answer. 
 It remains for us to know where Abel is, and we'll 
 hope he's quartered aboard Barney's ship." 
 
 I burned to be in motion that we might the 
 sooner learn all which would give us fair grounds 
 for hope. It seemed like a wilful waste of time to 
 be crouching there behind the rocks when we might 
 discover what would be of greatest importance, and 
 yet did I have sufficient wit to hold my tongue, for 
 one would have been crazed indeed had he ventured 
 out in the broad day. 
 
 I was not the only member of the party whose 
 heart was being devoured with impatience. Even 
 Seth Hartley appeared eager to be off ; but we could 
 do no more than remain in hiding until there was 
 some reasonable show of being able to finish the 
 journey without coming across the enemy. 
 
 And so it was we lay there counting the seconds, 
 wishing as earnestly for the coming of the night 
 as ever a dungeon prisoner longed to see the sun, 
 and yet, save in our imagination, the moments 
 passed no more quickly, nor less swiftly, because of 
 our desires. 
 
 An hundred times after the night had come did 
 I say to myself that we should make a move, and as 
 often I realized that the time was not yet at hand. 
 
 When, as nearly as we could judge, it was mid- 
 night, Abraham said with a long-drawn sigh of 
 relief : 
 
 " I reckon it's as safe now for us to make the 
 break as it ever will be. We must give ourselves 
 time to go there and back before break of day, for 
 mayhap no hiding place will be found nearabout 
 where the ship lays, an' we shall be glad to come 
 here again to find cover." 
 
264 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 There were no preparations needed for the re- 
 mainder of the journey. We had partaken of our 
 food often, as a means of making the time seem 
 to pass more quickly, and if I could have quenched 
 my thirst I should have been in good bodily condi- 
 tion for the tramp; but that was of small impor- 
 tance, and I put it from my mind as much as possi- 
 ble, even though the desire for water was great 
 upon me. 
 
 Off we set in the same order as on leaving Peter 
 Snyder's hut; but the way was not as clear be- 
 fore us. Owing to the heat and beauty of the night 
 many were astir, and more than once, even while 
 we were in the thickets or among the hills, was 
 it necessary for us to crouch amid the foliage to 
 avoid what might have been an unpleasant meet- 
 ing. 
 
 Because of such delays much more time was spent 
 in making the journey than we had allowed, and 
 if so be we failed to find a snug hiding place on the 
 shbre, the return to the quarry might be attended 
 with considerable danger. 
 
 The stars gave so much light that when we were 
 finally come to where a view of the bay could be 
 had, there was no trouble in making out all the ob- 
 jects in the vicinity nearly as well as at noonday, 
 and Seth Hartley cried as we gazed out over the 
 water from behind a screen of bushes: 
 
 " There is the prison ship, an' she's none other 
 than the Good Hope! Twenty-four hours ago I 
 wouldn't have believed that our luck could be so 
 good! Now it's in my mind that, if we can re- 
 main hidden securely, it will be only a question of 
 time before Abel Grant knows we are on hand to 
 do whatsoever we may 1 " 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 265 
 
 " You mean that Barney Nelson will carry a 
 message ? " I whispered. 
 
 " Ay, lad, I'll go bail he'll do that much, for his 
 oath to the king don't bind his tongue. Every- 
 thin' depends on our hidin' place, an' the sooner 
 that has been found the sooner we'll know whether 
 we've come here on a fool's errand or not." 
 
 Abraham, who had heard the words, now crept 
 outside the bushes to look around, and I, knowing he 
 was better acquainted with the shore than either 
 Sam or I, depended on him to lead us from this 
 point. 
 
 " There's a little creek down yonder where the 
 bushes grow thickly, or did before the Britishers 
 came," he whispered after taking a long survey of 
 the shore, as he pointed to the southward of where 
 we were crouching. " I'm afraid it wouldn't avail 
 us if the lobster-backs roam around freely; but it's 
 the only shelter I know of within a mile or more." 
 
 " Let's have a look at it," Seth Hartley said 
 hurriedly. " We haven't any too much time, an' 
 can't afford to loiter here." 
 
 We were forced to go well inland in order to 
 come upon the place of which Abraham had spoken, 
 and a good hour of time was spent before we were 
 among the bushes where the buzzing of mosquitoes 
 told that there would be little rest for those who 
 were forced to remain within shelter of the foli- 
 age. 
 
 " It's the only bit of cover I know of," Abraham 
 said as if apologizing for the lack of natural ad- 
 vantages ; " but from here, if so be we're not routed 
 out by curious lobster-backs, we can have a full 
 view of all who pass to an' fro between the ship 
 an' the shore." 
 
266 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Seth Hartley explored the entire place, which 
 did not cover more than an acre and was largely 
 made up of swamp, before giving any opinion. 
 Then he said with a forced show of cheerfulness: 
 
 " I've seen better hidin' places ; but reckon this 
 will serve our turn for a while. Those who come 
 on shore to stretch their legs won't be likely to stray 
 into such a swamp as this, an' we have only to keep 
 well back amid the bushes." 
 
 Even to do this it was necessary that considerable 
 work should be done, for no fellow could count on 
 being able to stand knee-deep in mud and water 
 any great length of time, and we set about breaking 
 down bushes and willows to make a bed which 
 would uphold the weight of all four. 
 
 As a matter of course we were obliged to work 
 with the utmost caution lest we betray our where- 
 abouts to some sharp-eared sentry on the ship, and 
 it was necessary to make wise choice of the bushes 
 to be broken down, otherwise the evidences of our 
 work could be seen by those who passed along the 
 shore. 
 
 We worked like beavers until the gray streaks in 
 the sky told that a new day was dawning, and even 
 then our refuge was anything but satisfactory. We 
 had not been able to gather sufficient material to 
 make a dry bed, and when all four had crawled 
 upon it the water stood here and there in suiificient 
 quantity to keep our garments well saturated. The 
 mosquitoes were plentiful and hungry, and a fellow 
 might spend every moment trying to keep them 
 at a distance, without coming anywhere near suc- 
 ceeding. 
 
 " It's goin' to be pretty tough lines, if we have 
 to stay here very long," Abraham said as he curled 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 267 
 
 up on the watery bed and strove to keep the winged 
 pests from his face, and Seth replied gravely: 
 
 " We can't hope to finish our work quickly, for 
 it's a case of waitin' till we get a chance to 
 speak alone with Barney Nelson. I'd be willin' 
 to take my full share of greater discomforts than 
 are to be found here, if by so doin' I could have a 
 hand in workin' a good turn for the fellow who has 
 been a friend to me." 
 
 " I reckon that's the way we all feel," Abe said 
 with a grin ; " but you must admit that it's goin' to 
 be pretty tough." 
 
 " We'll get used to the mosquitoes after a spell," 
 Sam suggested hopefully. 
 
 " That may be, though it seems impossible ; but 
 what about something to drink ? " I asked. " My 
 tongue is as dry as a bone." 
 
 " Here is water in plenty," and Seth pointed tc 
 the muddy liquid that oozed up among our bed of 
 brush. " It must be fresh, an' by waitin' till it 
 settles a bit, we can have what will be better than 
 many of our sailors get on a long voyage." 
 
 If Seth Hartley, a lobster-back, could be cheerful 
 under such circumstances, when he was helping 
 those who had made him a prisoner, then surely it 
 was not for us lads to grumble, and I said as much 
 to my mates, whereupon the Britisher replied with 
 a smile: 
 
 " It may be that I'm blossomin' out into a rebel, 
 though I much misdoubt it. You people are 
 workin' pluckily in what looks to be a one-sided 
 fight, an' I shouldn't be sorry to lend a hand, if so 
 be my oath didn't prevent it, in order to see fair 
 play. In this case, however, I'm tryin' to pay 
 Abel Grant for what he's done in my behalf since 
 
268 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 I fell into your hands, an' if the effort don't cost 
 more than hidin' in this place a few days, I shall 
 believe that I haven't paid a very high price." 
 
 " If Barney Nelson is anythin'.like you, we stand 
 a good chance of seein' Abel before a great while," 
 Sam said in a tone of admiration, and Seth added 
 gravely : 
 
 " We will at least be able to send word that we're 
 here tryin' our best to serve him, an' that will go 
 far toward cheerin' the poor fellow." 
 
 Then we fell silent, for the day was dawning so 
 swiftly that we did not dare longer to indulge in 
 conversation, and I occupied myself with watching 
 the water around me grow clearer and clearer until 
 at last I ventured to quench my thirst, though it 
 was necessary to close my eyes else I could not have 
 swallowed the disagreeable looking mixture. 
 
 Before an hour had passed we could see boats 
 passing to and fro between the ship and the shore, 
 and the beach, a short distance above where we lay 
 hidden, soon became quite gay with sailors and ma- 
 rines who, as Seth explained, had been given a 
 chance to stretch their legs. 
 
 Because of being able to see so much going on 
 around us, the time did not pass as slowly as I had 
 fancied it would, and Seth kept us amused by tell- 
 ing stories of this man or that who came within 
 our range of vision. Before the day was half 
 spent it seemed as if we were really acquainted 
 with a dozen or more of the marines, and already 
 knew by sight at least two who might be willing 
 to aid us to a certain extent if Seth could have a 
 private interview with them. 
 
 Shortly after noon our marine pointed out Bar- 
 ney Nelson, who was coming ashore with half a 
 
THE PRISON SHIP. 269 
 
 dozen others, and both surprised and frightened us 
 by announcing: 
 
 " I'm goin' to take the chances of creepin' well 
 inland in the poor hope that Barney may come that 
 way. You're to stay here, even though anythin' 
 should go wrong with me, for in case I'm taken 
 there's no good reason to show yourselves when you 
 can't lend any aid." 
 
 " Why is there any chance of your bein' taken? " 
 I whispered. " Do you think Barney might do you 
 an ill turn ? " 
 
 " Not a bit of it; I'll answer for him. There's 
 no knowin' who I might stumble upon, an' there 
 are mean Englishmen enough belongin' to the Good 
 Hope to lay me by the heels if the chance offered. 
 I'd be counted as a deserter, if found hangin' 'round 
 here makin' no effort to rejoin my ship, an' some of 
 my old mates might be glad to see me danglin' from 
 the yard-arm." 
 
 He was gone before I could make reply; but 
 then I understood what had not come into my mind 
 before, which was that of us all who were trying 
 to do Abel Grant a good turn, Seth Hartley was 
 running the greatest risk. If we lads were dis- 
 covered, we would be made prisoners of war, 
 whereas if he fell into the custody of his old mates, 
 a shameful death must follow, for his officers would 
 set him down as a deserter despite anything that 
 could be said by us in his favor. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A RASH VENTURE. 
 
 When Seth crept away on the poor chance that 
 Barney Nelson might happen to wander where it 
 would be possible to get speech with him secretly, 
 I began to realize more thoroughly than ever be- 
 fore the risks which we who hoped to aid Abel 
 Grant were taking, and it was by no rneans a pleas- 
 ing subject for reflection. 
 
 If misfortune came upon us, its lightest form 
 would be imprisonment on board one of the ships, 
 and it did not require any severe tax on the imag- 
 ination to picture the horrors of such punishment. 
 In case we were discovered and attempted to resist 
 arrest, there would be little compunction in taking 
 our lives, for as a rule the soldiers of his majesty 
 believed a dead colonist was of more value than a 
 live one. 
 
 Not until Seth Hartley crept through the foliage 
 bent on taking the chances of being able to attract 
 the attention of Barney Nelson without exposing 
 himself to the view of the others, did I fully un- 
 derstand how great was his hazard in this game of 
 life and death which we were playing. 
 
 Even though all the facts could be made known, 
 his commander would adjudge him a deserter, for 
 there was no question but that he had remained 
 270 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 271 
 
 with us willingly after once having been made pris- 
 oner, instead of insisting upon being treated as a cap- 
 tive, and this in itself would insure a most shameful 
 death for him in event of our rash venture going 
 awry. 
 
 With this knowledge come upon me thus sud- 
 denly, I found it difficult to prevent myself from 
 calling upon him to return without furthe^ effort 
 to aid Abel Grant, for now it was to me as if he 
 could not escape detection — as if even the friend 
 in whom he was about to put every trust, would 
 betray him to death. 
 
 If at that moment Luther Stedman had been 
 in my power, I verily believe I would have mur- 
 dered him in cold blood, because the miserable Tory 
 cur was personally responsible for our danger. We 
 had attacked him only when he came in our way, 
 bent on doing the Cause an injury at our expense, 
 and to avenge himself for that which he had 
 brought upon himself, the cowardly whelp had 
 given all his time to the sneaking work of betray- 
 ing us to the British. 
 
 " If he ever crosses my path again I will deal 
 with him as I would a vicious cur, giving no heed 
 to my own safety," I said to myself, finding some 
 little satisfaction in thus registering an oath of ven- 
 geance, never dreaming how near at hand was the 
 moment when it could be carried into effect. 
 
 It must not be supposed that I gave myself wholly 
 up to such dismal and vengeful thoughts to the ex- 
 clusion of everything else. We three lads were 
 watching with painful intentness everything within 
 our range of vision, fearing to hear an outcry 
 which would tell that Seth Hartley had been dis- 
 covered, and on the alert to give him timely warn- 
 
272 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 ing of danger, if indeed that should be possible. 
 
 We had spread out before us a most animated 
 picture. As the day grew older the activity every- 
 where around us increased. Officers came ashore 
 from the Good Hope bent on communicating with 
 the commanders of the land forces, and the beats' 
 crews awaited their return on the beach, ready to 
 carry them back to the ship. Squads of ten or a 
 dozen men were landing at frequent intervals to 
 enjoy a short time of shore leave, and in our hiding 
 place we were absolutely surrounded by armed men 
 wearing the uniform of the king. 
 
 It only needed that one a trifle more curious than 
 the others should take it into his head to explore 
 the swamp, and our capture was inevitable. 
 Therefore it can well be understood that our hearts 
 were in our throats as we watched keenly every 
 movement of the enemy, and that the mosquitoes 
 sucked their fill of our blood, for so tensely were 
 our nerves strung that the stings of the insects 
 passed unheeded. 
 
 I will not undertake to say how much of the day 
 was spent before we lads were startled and angered 
 by seeing Luther Stedman strutting to and fro amid 
 the idle marines and soldiers. We had given no 
 heed to anything save the possibility of Seth Hart- 
 ley's capture, and it might have been noon, or no 
 more than nine o'clock in the morning, when Abra- 
 ham gripped my arm with a force that almost 
 caused a cry of pain, as he pointed up shore a short 
 distance, where were two waiting boats and their 
 crews of sailors. 
 
 During a dozen seconds or more I gazed stupidly 
 in the direction indicated, seeing nothing more than 
 had been passing before my eyes since the moment 
 
"THE MISERABLE WHELP WAS SWAGGERING TO AND 
 FRO." 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 2'/^ 
 
 Seth disappeared amid the foliage, and then it 
 was as if the blood in my veins suddenly began to 
 boil, for there stood Luther Stedman, the Tory cur 
 who had not dared to seek revenge in a manly fash- 
 ion, but had cajoled the enemy into acting as his 
 cat's-paw. 
 
 The miserable whelp was swaggering to and fro 
 as if in command of all the forces, and I knew 
 he was trying to persuade those who were willing 
 to spend the time listening to him, that he was the 
 most important thing on the island. 
 
 " He has come here to crow over Abel ! " Sam 
 whispered, while Abraham's clutch on my arm was 
 tightened, and I pictured to myself our comrade 
 ironed and helpless in the hold of the Good Hope, 
 forced to listen to the gibes and taunts of that 
 cowardly Tory. 
 
 Now it was that for the moment we forgot Seth 
 Hartley — no longer strained our ears fearing to 
 hear that which would tell us he had been taken 
 prisoner by his old shipmates. All our thoughts 
 as well as our eyes, were centered on that cur whom 
 I hoped some day to have by the throat where we 
 two were secure from interference. 
 
 " I'll kill that whelp soon! " Abraham whispered 
 hoarsely, and I could not restrain myself from re- 
 plying: 
 
 " He belongs to me, an' you're not to lay hands 
 on him until I have worked my will ! " 
 
 It was Sam who saw a gleam of the comical in 
 our thus wrangling as to who should pay the score 
 we owed Luther, and he whispered as a smile over- 
 spread his face: 
 
 " I'm of opinion that you fellows had better get 
 your necks out of the halter which is well nigh 
 
274 I' HE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 around them, before you squabble over the question 
 of servin' Luther out. It strikes me that he has the 
 upper hands just now, an' is in a position to say 
 whether he or you may be allowed to make repris- 
 als." 
 
 My face crimsoned as I realized that Abraham 
 and I had shown ourselves simples by thus speaking 
 as if it was within our power to do as we pleased. 
 The odds were strongly in favor of Luther's lay- 
 ing us by the heels before we were able to raise 
 a hand against him, for by a single word he could 
 send a thousand men scurrying after us, whereas 
 we did not dare even to show our faces. 
 
 I tried to look in another direction, for the sight 
 of him caused my stomach to revolt; but despite 
 my will I was forced to watch his every move- 
 ment, and surely never was punishment greater 
 than mine at this moment. My brain was in a 
 whirl, and it would not have been surprising if, 
 forgetting all else, I had rushed out to throttle 
 him. If at that moment my hands had been around 
 his throat, not all the soldiers in the British army 
 could have torn them away until the breath had 
 been choked from his worthless carcass. 
 
 It seemed to me as if we had been gazing at that 
 Tory a full hour before there came into my mind 
 the thought of Seth Hartley, and the danger in 
 which he stood. 
 
 During all this while no sound, other than might 
 have been made by the sailors or marines as they 
 went here and there like children at play, had come 
 to our ears, and most like it was this absence of 
 danger signals which allowed us to forget mo- 
 mentarily the man who was staking his life to 
 aid our comrade. 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 275 
 
 However, even then I did not bestow much 
 thought upon the friendly Britisher who might 
 within a short time be danghng from the yard-arm 
 of the Good Hope, so intent was I, despite my 
 wish, upon watching Luther Stedman. 
 
 From his movements I fancied he was striving 
 to persuade some of the sailors to take him off to 
 the ship, and I knew full well that his desire to be 
 there was only that he might jibe Abel Grant when 
 the poor fellow was unable to make reply or re- 
 prisals. 
 
 Now and then one of the Britishers would shake 
 his head decidedly, as if in answer to an entreaty 
 from Luther. Once when an officer came down to 
 be taken on board, the Tory cur appealed to him, 
 and I could have hugged the red-coated, gilt-laced 
 servant of the king, when I saw him shake off im- 
 patiently the miserable leech that would have 
 fawned upon him. 
 
 It is impossible for me to say how long Luther 
 Stedman thus strove to gain a passage to the ship; 
 it seemed as if more than an hour had passed be- 
 fore he apparently gave up all hope of succeeding, 
 and then, to my mingled surprise and dismay, he 
 lounged along the beach in our direction as if hav- 
 ing decided to consort no longer with those whom 
 he was so eager to call friends. 
 
 I know not into whose mind the idea first came; 
 but it was to me as if I had turned it over and 
 over an hundred times, when Abraham clutched me 
 by the arm, his face crimsoned with passion, as 
 he whispered : 
 
 " If that whelp comes this way, an' gives me 
 but half a chance, I'll stake my life on serving him 
 out!" 
 
276 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " An' it would be stakin' your life, lad," Sam 
 said nervously. " Surely you would not be simple 
 enough to have any dealin's with him here, when 
 you know a single cry from the scoundrel would 
 bring all those men upon us, an' thus put an end 
 to any effort of ours in Abel Grant's behalf." 
 
 Just for an instant it was as if Abraham re- 
 pented of the threat, and then he shut his teeth 
 tightly, literally hissing the words: 
 
 " If he tempts me I shall take the chances ! " 
 
 So far had anger against the lad who had 
 worked us so much harm gained ascendency over 
 me, that I was unable to consider calmly the situa- 
 tion. I forgot, strange as it may seem, that we 
 were surrounded by an enemy who would discover 
 us at the lightest sound; that the least false move 
 on our part would insure imprisonment on board 
 the Good Hope, and thus would be fatal to the 
 chances, if indeed we had any, of lending Abel 
 Grant a hand. I thought only of the desire for 
 revenge, and held my peace when I should have 
 insisted that Abraham give over any such wild 
 thoughts. 
 
 Sam did not make further protest, most like 
 because he believed Abraham's threat was simply 
 a safety-valve to his temper, and that he would not 
 be wild enough to do other than remain silent and 
 motionless within this poor refuge of ours. 
 
 As to myself, I gave no heed to either Sara or 
 Abe; but kept my eyes fixed upon that miserable 
 specimen of a lad who was walking slowly and 
 carelessly, but yet surely, toward where we lay in 
 hiding. 
 
 It seemed to me then, even as it does now, that 
 the judgment of the Lord was heavy upon Luther 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 277 
 
 Stedman at that moment, causing him to advance 
 directly to his undoing — as if he had, because of 
 his many sins against his country, been dehvered 
 into our power, and without allowing the thought 
 to shape itself definitely in my mind, I was firmly 
 convinced that within a certain short time he would 
 be our prisoner. 
 
 If one of us had held that cur by the hand he 
 could not have moved more in accord with our 
 feverish desires, for, leaving the sailors and marines 
 an hundred yards or more up the beach, he came 
 directly along to where the little creek, which 
 drained the marsh in which we lay, ran into the 
 sea, and then aimlessly, as if against his own will, 
 he advanced along the edge of the stream, picking 
 his way daintily over the soft ground. 
 
 Involuntarily I glanced toward Abraham who, 
 on one knee, was leaning forward like some beast 
 of prey ready to make a spring, and the knowledge 
 that he was minded to leap upon Luther Stedman, 
 if peradventure that miserable whelp gave him the 
 opportunity, caused everything to vanish from my 
 mind save the possibility of revenge. 
 
 Even to this day I dare swear Luther Stedman 
 did not come up that tiny creek of his own free 
 will; but was moved by some stronger power to 
 deliver himself into our keeping, for verily there 
 was no reason why any person should strive to 
 pick his way amid that slime, except bent on duty 
 or revenge, and he had neither in his heart; but 
 came on carelessly, seemingly ignorant of what 
 he did until within a scant ten paces of where we 
 lay upon the bed of reeds. 
 
 Now it was that even Sam forgot his prudence 
 — forgot that which seemed positive would follow 
 
278 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 if we made ever so slight a move, and was stand- 
 ing to the best of his ability upon the frail plat- 
 form of brush ready to join in whatsoever we did. 
 
 Even now I fail to understand why it was that 
 the Tory cur did not so much as raise his eyes; but 
 came on blindly as if with the single purpose of 
 delivering himself up to us, and we accepted what 
 was neither more nor less than an invitation from 
 him. 
 
 It was Abraham who set the pace, although no 
 more than the twinkling of an. eye could have 
 elapsed from the time he sprang out, as a panther 
 springs upon his prey, when I was by his side, 
 with Sam so close upon my heels that he was like 
 to have tripped me. 
 
 The first intimation Luther Stedman had of the 
 danger that awaited him was the splashing of 
 water as we three leaped into the swamp regard- 
 less as to whether we gave an alarm to the British- 
 ers or not, and even then the miserable whelp did 
 not raise his eyes until we had him firmly by the 
 throat, both Abraham and I, with a grip which 
 could not be shaken ofif, in such fashion that to 
 have uttered the lightest whisper would have been 
 impossible. 
 
 Down, down into the slime we forced him until 
 nothing save his face was above the surface, and 
 I, literally crazed by anger and the knowledge that 
 I had the whelp in my power, would have drowned 
 him as one does a kitten, most like to have re- 
 pented sorely at some later day, but that Abraham, 
 having more command over himself, said in a 
 whisper : 
 
 " For three to kill one, however much death is 
 deserved, would be cowardly murder, and, besides, 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 279 
 
 I'm not minded that he shall escape from this world 
 so easily." 
 
 Then it was that Sam, suspecting what was in 
 my heart, placed both his hands under that Tory's 
 head to raise it from the mud, and as he did so 
 thrust a bunch of leaves, hastily stripped from the 
 bushes nearby, into the cur's mouth, for already 
 was he gasping for breath. 
 
 It was this movement that restored Abraham 
 and me to our senses, so to speak, and straightway 
 in the stead of revenge, there came to us the knowl- 
 edge that unless we would sacrifice Seth Hartley, 
 must we take every precaution, for if we were dis- 
 covered it was certain he would speedily hang 
 from the yard-arm of the Good Hope. 
 
 And now, cautious as an instant before we had 
 been reckless, we set about trussing him up in 
 such fashion as would prevent his moving hand or 
 foot, and even while this was being done, there 
 came to me the question of what would be the 
 next move. We had come there to aid Abel 
 Grant, but now v^ere we hampered with a prison,er 
 whom, whatever peril should arise, we dared not 
 set free, and at the same time would not murder 
 in cold blood even though he so richly deserved 
 such a fate. 
 
 It was a venture born of passion, although I 
 afterward strove to excuse myself by saying that 
 we were literally forced into acting as we did 
 otherwise he would have discovered us, and now 
 must we pay the penalty of failing to rule our 
 spirits. 
 
 If through this mad act of ours Seth Hartley 
 was captured and hanged, or if it should be learned 
 that a movement was on foot to release Abel Grant, 
 
28o THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 then was the blood of both these men on our heads, 
 and in my heart I cursed the miserable cur who 
 had so far tempted me that I forgot everything 
 save desire for revenge. 
 
 It is not to be supposed that I stood idly by, knee- 
 deep in the mud, turning all these things over in 
 my mind, for there was much to be done if we 
 would rectify the mistake, which is a mild term 
 for our act. 
 
 As I have said, Sam had on the spur of the mo- 
 ment thrust a double handful of leaves into 
 Luther's mouth, which was forced open by our 
 hold on his throat, and it only remained for us 
 to so fetter his limbs that he would be powerless 
 to flounder about in the hope of attracting the 
 attention of his friends. 
 
 , It goes' without saying that we had nothing 
 with us in the shape of a rope, but I, to make 
 atonement for what just then seemed little less than 
 a crime, pulled off my shirt, baring my body to 
 the mosquitoes, and tore the garment into strips. 
 With these we bound the lad whom we had taken 
 prisoner for a third time, so securely that I ques- 
 tion if he could have moved hand or foot even the 
 fraction of an inch in either direction. 
 
 The sleeves of Abraham's shirt served for a 
 more secure gag then that of leaves, and when all 
 this had been done we lifted the Tory from out 
 his muddy bed on to the frail platform of bushes, 
 where he lay with the slime forming as it were a 
 shroud about him. 
 
 When he was thus secured and in position, a 
 single glance at the cur's face was sufficient to tell 
 how severe had been the punishment we inflicted. 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 28 1 
 
 for if ever I saw abject terror in the eyes of any- 
 human being, it was reflected from his. I have 
 no question but that the miserable whelp believed 
 we would kill him off hand, as indeed we had the 
 right to do if one thinks of the provocation, and 
 the benefit which his death would be to the Cause. 
 
 He watched us mutely, perforce, and with an 
 intentness which told that he was suffering the 
 agony of death in anticipation, and I, minded that 
 he should ■ be kept in suspense, motioned Sam and 
 Abe to follow me yet a little further into the swamp, 
 where we might speak without his overhearing the 
 words, for I desired he should believe we had mur- 
 der in our hearts. 
 
 Standing waist-deep in the mud and water where 
 we could keep the Tory well in view, and were 
 not in danger of being seen by the Britishers near- 
 about, we discussed the situation in whispers, 
 realizing now that the danger was increased ten- 
 fold because we had yielded to our desire for re- 
 venge. 
 
 " I'm willin' to agree that we've made idiots of 
 ourselves, an' risked over an' over again the life 
 of Seth Hartley by capturin' that miserable Tory," 
 Abraham began before I could speak, and much as 
 if he knew what was in my mind ; " but since we 
 have again made him prisoner, I promise you that 
 unless I myself am killed he shall not escape, for 
 from this out he is my especial charge." 
 
 " But surely we cannot keep him here," Sam 
 said nervously. " It will be a little short of a 
 miracle if we ourselves can remain without detec- 
 tion, an' if peradventure the opportunity should 
 come for us to aid Abel Grant, how may we be of 
 
282 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 any service if our movements are hampered by 
 him?" 
 
 " But yet I am not minded to kill him in cold 
 blood," I said, believing for the moment that it 
 was in Sam's mind we should put an end to his 
 miserable existence. 
 
 " God forbid ! " the lad whispered fervently. 
 " Yet how may we set him free, for when it comes 
 to a question of his life or Abel's, we must not 
 hesitate, even though by letting him go we have 
 condemned ourselves ? " 
 
 " I will take charge of that part of the busi- 
 ness," Abraham said decidedly, and by his tone I 
 understood that already he had some plan in mind. 
 "If by any happy chance there comes an oppor- 
 tunity for us to strike a blow in behalf of Abel 
 Grant, you lads and Seth Hartley can do as much 
 without, as with me, an' the success of the under- 
 takin' will not be in jeopardy by my absence." 
 
 " By your absence ? " I repeated, mystified by 
 the words. 
 
 " Ay, that was what I said, an' when the night 
 comes, if so be I am still at liberty, it is my intent 
 to take yonder whelp an' run the risk of gainin' 
 Peter Snyder's hut. Once there, with the old man 
 to lend a hand as jailor, an' I dare venture to swear 
 under such guardianship Luther Stedman will 
 never be able to escape, I may return, unless the 
 conditions have so been changed that it is un- 
 necessary." 
 
 " The chances are as an hundred to one against 
 your reachin' Peter Snyder's hut, even though you 
 traveled alone, therefore what hope could you have 
 of makin' the journey in safety, hampered by a 
 
'A RASH VENTURE. 283 
 
 prisoner ? " I cried, absolutely frightened by Abra- 
 ham's proposition. 
 
 " An' yet nevertheless shall I make the attempt," 
 the lad said stoutly and in a tone which showed 
 that it was useless to combat the decision. " It 
 seems to me that ever since we set out to do what- 
 soever we might for the Cause, all our time has 
 been spent in capturin' that Tory cur, only to have 
 him give us the slip later. Now he is in our power, 
 an' instead of turnin' him over to some one else, 
 I will make certain that he works no further mis- 
 chief." 
 
 I did not continue the argument, and for two 
 reasons. The first because I was convinced it 
 would be useless to make any attempt at dissuading 
 Abraham from that upon which he had resolved, 
 and again, I realized that instead of standing there 
 where the surrounding enemy was cut off from 
 our view, we were neglecting in some degree, I 
 could not say exactly how, Seth Hartley's interests. 
 Therefore it was I said with more of irritation in 
 my tone than was warranted: 
 
 " We must go back where we can keep watch, 
 lest somethin' should suddenly demand our goin' 
 to Seth's assistance. Once there, however, let us 
 be guarded in speech, for Luther Stedman believes 
 we have it in mind to murder him, an' I would not 
 so far relieve his anxiety as to let him understand 
 that we only count on holdin' him prisoner. Be- 
 cause he has escaped scot free twice before, or- 
 dinary captivity will not cause him any great 
 uneasiness." 
 
 Abraham started back toward the platform of 
 twigs as if eager to put an end to the conversation 
 
284 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 lest we insist that he abandon the plan in his mind, 
 and once gaining that slight refuge from the water 
 and mud, we looked out again upon the scene pre- 
 sented by the enemy. 
 
 So far as could be judged, the slight noise we 
 made in capturing Luther had not aroused any 
 suspicion. The marines were loitering here and 
 there; the sailors were waiting by their boats, or 
 lying at full length on the sand, and one might say 
 with every assurance that we had thus far done 
 no harm in having given way to our passionate 
 desires. 
 
 It was while we remained there silently gazing 
 upon the enemy, that I saw the marine who had 
 been pointed out to us as Barney Nelson coming 
 down the incline of the land, as if from the rear 
 of the swamp where we were in hiding, and in- 
 stantly a great hope sprang up in my heart, which 
 I voiced by whispering to Abraham: 
 
 " I believe of a verity Seth Hartley has had 
 speech with his friend. Look you! There goes 
 the marine alone, as if havin' come from the direc- 
 tion where Seth was last seen, an' — " 
 
 I did not finish the sentence, for at that instant 
 a light splashing of the water could be heard a 
 short distance away, and as we three gazed the 
 form of our British friend appeared among the 
 foliage, with an expression of most intense satis- 
 faction on his face. 
 
 ' Forgetting for an instant Luther Stedman, I half- 
 turned to hear his story, and was astonished be- 
 cause of the look of amazement which overspread 
 his face. Immediately I realized that he was be- 
 wildered at seeing the prisoner, and said hurriedly, 
 speaking with the utmost caution: 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 285 
 
 " That Tory came our way, an' it was a case of 
 capturin' him or bein' discovered." 
 
 " How did you do it? " he asked as if mystified. 
 " I have not been above an hundred feet away at 
 any time, an' yet heard no noise." 
 
 " The sHme of the swamp served our friend," 
 I said, and smiHng even while my anxiety was so 
 great. " We can speak of him later ; tell us what 
 you have done ? " 
 
 " I have had speech with Barney Nelson, an' 
 that at a time when I had well nigh given up all 
 hope of comin' face to face with him alone." 
 
 " And he ? " I asked, fearing to put the question 
 into words. 
 
 " He will do whatsoever he may so that it be not 
 against the oath he has taken to serve the king; 
 but lad, it needs not I should tell you that even 
 though Barney were willin' to do everythin' a man 
 could, the chances of releasin' Abel Grant are 
 mighty slim." 
 
 " Is he aboard yonder ship ? " 
 
 " Yes, as are nigh to two hundred others who 
 were taken prisoners in the battle. The Good 
 Hope is to be moved up nearer the town when it 
 shall have been taken, an' meanwhile all Barney 
 can do is to tell our friend that we are waiting for 
 an opportunity to lend a hand." 
 
 " Surely you have been successful even beyond 
 my hopes," I replied fervently, thankful because 
 this little had been accomplished. " Now what 
 are we to do? " 
 
 " Before seein' yonder prisoner I should have 
 said there was nothin' which could be done, save 
 wait in the poor hope that some turn or chance 
 might show us a way to help him; but now I am 
 
286 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 all at sea, for suppose this moment we should find 
 a way open to get at him, how can we make a 
 move while that Tory is held by you ? " 
 
 Then it was that Abe explained what was his 
 purpose, and much to my surprise Seth Hartley 
 seemed to agree with him. Afterward I came to 
 understand that he was accepting cheerfully the 
 only possible solution of the difficulty, for we must 
 get rid of Luther, and yet could not afford to set 
 him at liberty. 
 
 " There is no possibility that we shall see Barney 
 Nelson again until mornin'," Seth said after a 
 brief time of silence. " His shore-leave is about 
 expired, an' mayhap he will not have another 
 within eight and forty hours; but yet must we 
 wait, for in him is our only hope." 
 
 " Will you come back, having left the Tory with 
 Peter Snyder?" I asked of Abraham, shielding 
 my mouth in such fashion that the prisoner could 
 not hear the question, and the lad replied: 
 
 " That is for Seth Hartley to say. If so be I 
 can serve the plan, then will I leave the Tory with 
 old Peter, believing he'll be more faithful to the 
 charge than any other we could select; but I much 
 prefer to have the scoundrel in my own keeping, 
 an' then if the enemy should suddenly appear, 
 showin' that he could not fail of bein' released, I 
 would take his life with my own hands rather than 
 let him go free again." 
 
 To this blood-thirsty remark Seth Hartley gave 
 no heed; but at once began outlining a plan for 
 Abraham to get away with the Tory, in the course 
 of which he said: 
 
 " Since it is certain that we shall not be able 
 
A RASH VENTURE. 287 
 
 to do anythin' in behalf of Abel Grant within the 
 next four an' twenty hours at the least, why not 
 take Ephraim and Sam with you in case you should 
 come upon such a small force as could be over- 
 come ? " 
 
 " I will have no one run the risk but myself. 
 If either of the lads went with me, then would 
 the danger be doubled, since he who thus lent a 
 hand would be forced to return, an' one portion 
 of the journey is as dangerous as another," Abra- 
 ham said decidedly. " If it is agreed there is no 
 real reason for me to come back, then all the risk 
 must be mine." 
 
 " Ay, an' you are right, lad," Seth Hartley said 
 quietly, and to one who was ignorant of the situa- 
 tion there would have been no suspicion that these 
 two talking so quietly, were discussing a matter 
 which meant the life or death of all concerned. 
 " We will carry our prisoner out through the 
 swamp when midnight shall have come, since to 
 trust him to walk would be dangerous. Then you 
 must be guided by whatsoever occurs, for no one 
 can say what should or should not be done." 
 
 " Ay, that I know full well, an' you may trust 
 me to get him there, or else both of us will die 
 on the way," Abe said emphatically, and that 
 ended the conversation regarding the keeping in 
 our custody of Luther Stedraan. 
 
 But for the fact that we had a prisoner, our 
 hearts would have been very light now since com- 
 munication had been opened up with Barney Nel- 
 son and he had agreed to carry word of our where- 
 abouts to Abel; but as it was, every nerve was 
 strained to its utmost tension, and when after a 
 
288 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 long while Seth Hartley proposed that we try to 
 gain some sleep, leaving one on watch, I could 
 have laughed at the idea, for slumber at that mo- 
 ment was as far from my eyelids as was the sense 
 of security from my heart. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 A RAY OF HOPE. 
 
 It is beyond my power to set down a fair ac- 
 count of what we said and did during this day 
 when we lay amid the slime, covered with mos- 
 quitoes, and surrounded by the enemy. A stranger 
 could not understand the feelings which were ours 
 as we guarded Luther Stedman lest peradventure 
 he slip his bonds sufficiently to make so much noise 
 as would attract attention, knowing that at any 
 moment it was not only possible, but probable, the 
 tables would be turned completely, putting us at 
 his mercy. 
 
 At one moment I would be aglow with satisfac- 
 tion because at last we had laid the scoundrel by 
 the heels, and believed we knew beyond a question 
 how he could be held secure so long as we pleased. 
 Then would come the knowledge that the slight- 
 est curiosity on the part of those who surrounded 
 us would lead to our discovery, and the cold chills 
 crept down my back as I pictured ourselves prison- 
 ers, where Luther could gloat over us even if he 
 did no worse. 
 
 At another time I could see, in my mind's eye, 
 Abel Grant in the hold of the prison ship, so 
 closely guarded that there was no ray of hope, how- 
 ever slight, of our being able to lend him a hand. 
 289 
 
290 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Then I could see all our little party keeping him 
 company in his cramped quarters with no pos- 
 sibility of being released save by death, or when 
 the war had come to an end. 
 
 I speculated, with the numbness of fear in my 
 heart, as to where my father and mother might 
 be at that moment, and doubted whether we would 
 ever come together again in this world; but all the 
 while I shared with my comrades the watch which 
 it seemed necessary we should keep upon the 
 throngs of men on every hand, although what it 
 would have profited to know when they might be 
 coming upon us I could not have said, for of a 
 verity we were unable to offer any resistance worth 
 the name, in event of their entering the swamp. 
 
 Only at rare intervals did one or the other 
 speak; it was not a time when a fellow would be 
 inclined for conversation. Early in the afternoon 
 Seth Hartley again insisted we should try to gain 
 some rest; but it would have been useless for me 
 to make any attempt at wooing slumber, and in- 
 stead of following his advice I urged Abraham 
 that it was his duty to do so because of the long 
 tramp before him, which caused the lad to reply: 
 
 " I fancy my eyes are open quite as wide as 
 yours, an' to close them would be impossible. 
 When I am in Peter Snyder's hut, where the red- 
 coats do not swarm so thickly as here, I may be 
 able to sleep, but not now." 
 
 " An' how do you count on goin' there ? " Sam 
 asked, rather that he might break the dull monotony 
 by speech, than from any real desire for in- 
 formation. 
 
 " I don't know, an' had rather not talk about it," 
 was the almost petulant reply. " It must all be 
 
A RAY OP HOPE. 291 
 
 a matter of good or bad luck, an' my upper lip 
 will be the stiffer if I don't dwell overly long 
 upon the chances." 
 
 Until this had been said I believed Abraham felt 
 confident he could make the journey with com- 
 parative ease; but now I understood that he mis- 
 doubted his ability to get through, yet was ready 
 to risk his life in the effort, to the end that he 
 might pay the scoundrelly Tory off in some of his 
 own coin, and all this did not tend to make me 
 feel any more comfortable in mind. 
 
 Twice during the afternoon did Seth Hartley 
 take the gag from Luther's mouth in order to pour 
 down his throat a few drops of muddy water, and 
 when Sam insisted that he was wasting both time 
 and sympathy, the Britisher said quietly: 
 
 " I know full well how much I suffered while 
 lyin' in the cabin of the sloop trussed up in the 
 same fashion, an' then there was no chance for 
 so much sufferin' because the day was not so hot. 
 I'm never fearin' but that you lads count on dealin' 
 justly by him, an' am certain it's not in your minds 
 to act the part of brutes." 
 
 Only once during the afternoon did any of the 
 enemy come within an hundred feet of where we 
 lay, wet with mud and water and beset by mos- 
 quitoes, and then during a bad ten minutes did 
 it appear as if Luther Stedman's hour of triumph 
 was close at hand. 
 
 A party of marines lounged aimlessly down the 
 shore until coming to the mouth of the creek, and 
 one proposed to follow up the water-course simply 
 out of idle curiosity. He even advanced a few 
 paces to carry out such attention, and I saw Abra- 
 ham clutch the rifle we had kept with us all this 
 
i292 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 time, as if determined to sell his life dearly rather 
 than be carried aboard the ship as a prisoner. 
 
 The fellow did not get very far on his voyage 
 of discovery; at the second step he plunged knee- 
 deep in the mud, whereupon he drew back amid 
 the jeers and laughter of his companions, and the 
 party moved away to where a boat was just be- 
 ing drawn up on the shore. 
 
 Now and then we munched at the hard biscuit, 
 not because we were hungry, but in order that we 
 might have something with which to occupy the 
 time. I had never believed food would be dis- 
 tasteful, particularly when I had much the same as 
 fasted for eight and forty hours, but on this day 
 I found it impossible to swallow the bread even 
 after chewing it, though it was sweet and palatable. 
 
 What a blessed relief it was to see the sun sink 
 behind the hills of Staten Island! I had thought 
 the night would never come, and longed for the 
 darkness as a thirsty man does for water, but yet 
 no sooner was the night at hand than my anxiety 
 became all the greater, for Abraham's journey was 
 yet to be performed — a journey which I feared 
 he would never live to finish. 
 
 One by one the boats returned to the ship until 
 the shore was deserted. We could hear the cries 
 of the sentries, however, which caused it to seem as 
 if they were close at hand, and the riding lights 
 of the prison ship sent ominous rays across the 
 water. 
 
 " I reckon it will be safe to crawl out on dry 
 land now, an' thus have a chance to stretch our 
 legs," Seth Hartley said when the evening had 
 grown old. " There's little show of any one 
 comin' ashore at this hour, an' even though that 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 293 
 
 should happen, we'll be hidden by the bushes on 
 the hill." 
 
 Abraham and Seth took Luther Stedman up as 
 if his had been a lifeless body, carrying him 
 through the swamp to the higher land beyondi, and 
 there we walked about a bit, taking due care, how- 
 ever, not to show ourselves beyond the gloom of 
 the shadows cast by the bushes. 
 
 Another hour passed in almost perfect silence, 
 and then Sam asked abruptly: 
 
 " Shall you take the musket, Abe ? " 
 
 " I'll leave that for you ; it won't pay to hamper 
 myself with so much luggage, an' a stout club will 
 serve me better if I should come to close quar- 
 ters with a Tory — I'm not afraid of meetin' any 
 lobster-backs on the road I shall travel." 
 
 Then Abe searched here and there until he 
 found a cudgel such as promised to serve his pur- 
 pose, and nothing more was said for so long a 
 time that I was like to have cried aloud with im- 
 patience, when Seth Hartley spoke: 
 
 " I'm allowin', lad, that it's time for you to set 
 off. Don't be rash if you meet with enemies; but 
 remember that it's better to surrender than be put 
 out of the fight forever." 
 
 " I'm not minded to be taken prisoner that such 
 as he may crow over me," Abe replied in what a 
 stranger might have believed was a surly tone. 
 
 " His crowin' can do you no real harm, while by 
 compassin' your own death you would be deprivin' 
 the Cause you serve of a pair of arms that may 
 yet strike many a sound blow in behalf of the 
 colonists." 
 
 It sounded strange to hear a Britisher give such 
 advice; but Seth was already considerably more 
 
294 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 than half an American, and I doubted not that he 
 would soon be ready to cast in his fortunes with 
 those of us who were battling against the king. 
 
 Abraham's preparations for the perilous journey 
 consisted simply in casting off the bonds from 
 Luther Stedman's legs, and when this had been 
 done he aided the Tory to regain his feet, saying 
 meanwhile : 
 
 " You an' I need to have a fair understandin' 
 one with the other, for the chances are much in 
 favor of our meetin' death in company. I want 
 you to bear well in mind that I count on knockin' 
 you in the head with this club, rather than allow 
 an escape. I am not overly eager to have you 
 live, yet haven't the heart to kill in cold blood. 
 If, however, you should make any attempt to give 
 me the slip, or try to create such a disturbance as 
 would give information of your whereabouts, I 
 shall have all the excuse needed, an' will slay you 
 with a right good will. You are to walk at your 
 best pace, save when I give the word to slow down 
 or halt, an' then it will be safest for you to obey 
 the first command, for you'll never be able to hear 
 a second. Now move on, an' for your own sake 
 don't let the grass grow under your feet." 
 
 I had thought Abraham would say some word 
 of farewell; but when Luther meekly yet quickly 
 obeyed the command, he followed straight behind 
 the prisoner's heels up the hill, never once turning 
 his head to look behind. 
 
 " Well, that's an odd way of leavin' us ! " Sam 
 exclaimed in sorrow and surprise. " He might at 
 least have said good-bye, since the chances are we 
 may never meet again." 
 
 " He has done wisely," Seth Hartley replied. 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 295 
 
 " At such a time as this none but the foolish take 
 the risk of unnervin' themselves by words of 
 partin'. He has started, an' God grant he go 
 through in safety, for a right good comrade has 
 he ever shown himself to be." 
 
 I cannot describe the sense of abandonment which 
 came over me when Abraham and his prisoner 
 vanished in the distance. Although I would have 
 urged the lad to go speedily rather than linger, it 
 was as if he had forsaken us without warning, and 
 I turned wearily toward the swamp with a feeling 
 that amid the mud and slime of that pestilential 
 place I would find my grave. 
 
 Seth Hartley must have understood somewhat 
 of that which was in my mind, for he said in the 
 most friendly of tones as he laid his hand on my 
 shoulder : 
 
 " Now are we prepared for work, lad. Until he 
 had started we could do nothin', however favor- 
 able a chance might have presented itself. We 
 must think only of that which we would do to 
 aid Abel Grant." 
 
 " It is a hopeless undertakin'," I replied discon- 
 solately, and he added in a tone of reproof: 
 
 " So it is indeed, lad, if you give up hope, sayin' 
 to yourself that the work can't be done. He who 
 would succeed must believe that the task is well 
 within his powers." 
 
 " I'm makin' an ass of myself ! " I cried re- 
 pentantly, " an' will strive not to do so again ; but 
 to see Abraham go out into the night to make his 
 way where enemies are thicker than mosquitoes 
 in the swamp, seemed much as if we had come to 
 an end of our rope." 
 
 " I grant you that such a partin' was not good 
 
296 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 for the nerves; but at a time like this you must 
 strive to put all disagreeable thoughts from your 
 mind, to the end that you may be the better fitted 
 for what the future has in store for us. Now is 
 come the hour when you lads must get some sleep, 
 so lie you down here on the solid, ground, an' 
 I'll stand guard till it comes my turn to take 
 forty winks. There is no good reason why we 
 need go back into the swamp among the mos- 
 quitoes before daybreak." 
 
 It is only doing Seth Hartley barest justice when 
 I set down here that which I firmly believe: But 
 for him, the Britisher who would not break his 
 oath to the king, neither of us lads would have 
 come out of that venture alive, for he soothed our 
 fears, bolstered our courage, and looked after our 
 bodily comfort all at the same time, giving no heed 
 to himself. 
 
 We strove earnestly to follow the honest fel- 
 low's advice. Sam and I stretched ourselves out 
 on the solid ground, lying close together for mu- 
 tual comfort and the friendly contact of each 
 other's bodies, and although it had seemed as if 
 I could never close my eyes until we had suc- 
 ceeded or failed in our venture, slumber over- 
 powered me even while I was speculating upon 
 Abraham's progress. 
 
 Nor did I awaken until I had been shaken into 
 consciousness, and, springing to my feet in alarm, I 
 saw Seth Hartley standing in much the same^osi- 
 tion as when I fell asleep. 
 
 " The day is beginnin' to break, lad, an' it stands 
 us in hand to take up our quarters with the mos- 
 quitoes again, for there'll soon be more visitors here 
 than will be pleasin' or safe." 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 297 
 
 " You have stood watch all night while we 
 selfishly slept ! " I said reproachfully. 
 
 " I've been on duty no more than three hours, 
 for it was past midnight before you laid down," 
 he replied with a gentle, friendly smile. " A fel- 
 low who has spent week after week in a troop 
 ship should be able to sleep anywhere, an' I'll take 
 my nap in the swamp." 
 
 By this time Sam was on his feet, and after 
 drinking our fill at a small spring which Seth had 
 found while standing guard, we went to our frail 
 platform of brush, there to soak in the mud and 
 water, and beat off the attacks of the mosquitoes, 
 as best we might without making a noise. 
 
 Seth kept his word in regard to taking a nap, 
 for no sooner were we in our disagreeable hiding 
 place than he laid down on the brush, where the 
 water rose a full inch all around him, and before 
 it seemed to me that he had time to compose him- 
 self, was sleeping soundly. 
 
 The scenes enacted on this second day of our 
 hiding in the- swamp were much like those pre- 
 sented in the first. The marines came ashore on 
 leave to find such amusement as the bare earth af- 
 forded, and the sailors lounged here and there 
 while waiting upon their officers; but none ven- 
 tured near our place of refuge. 
 
 As nearly as I could judge, the day was about 
 half spent, and Seth yet wrapped in slumber, when 
 Sam and I who were watching jealously all that 
 was passing around us, saw Barney Nelson come 
 ashore from one of the boats. He appeared in- 
 clined to wander off by himself, and refused, as we 
 understood by the gestures, to join some of his 
 xnates who were going inland over the hills, where- 
 
298 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Upon we understood, or believed we did, what was 
 in his mind. 
 
 Pressing my hand firmly over Seth's mouth lest 
 he involuntarily cry aloud on being suddenly 
 awakened, I shook him soundly, and on the instant 
 he was looking up into my eyes with an expression 
 which told that he was keenly alive to the situation. 
 
 " Barney Nelson has just come ashore, an' ap- 
 pears to be lookin' for a chance to go off by him- 
 self," I whispered, and it was as if the words had 
 hardly more than been uttered before he slipped 
 from the platform of brush into the mud and 
 water. 
 
 Then he struck off through the swamp, moving 
 with the utmost caution, and we knew he was go- 
 ing to the rendezvous which had, most like, been 
 agreed upon with his friend the previous day. 
 
 There was nothing left for Sam and me to do 
 save keep sharp watch on everything around us, 
 and await the return of Seth. 
 
 This we did, and when it seemed to us that our 
 marine had been absent two full hours, a slight 
 rippling of the water told that he was returning, 
 greatly to our relief of mind. 
 
 Not until he had crawled up on the brush be- 
 side us did he speak, and then, when our heads 
 were close together, he whispered cautiously: 
 
 " Barney has even more of a mind to help us 
 than I had hoped, an' it all comes from the way 
 Luther Stedman showed his spite when Abel Grant 
 was taken into custody." 
 
 "Has he had speech with the poor fellow?" I 
 interrupted, too eager for the information to be 
 willing to wait his way of telling the story. 
 
 " Ay, an' he knows that we're here to do what-. 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 299 
 
 soever we may; but sends word that you lads are 
 not to take any chances on his account; he'd rather 
 stay where he is, though we know full well the 
 quarters are anythin' different from comfortable, 
 than have you come to grief." 
 
 To this I could make no reply, for my heart 
 was too full. It was like the dear fellow to think" 
 of others rather than himself, though if the posi- 
 tions were reversed he would have taken any 
 chance, whatever the peril, in the hope of lending 
 us a hand. 
 
 " What about your friend ? " Sam asked. " Is 
 there hope he might be willin' to help us if we 
 see any kind of a show to free Abel? " 
 
 " Ay, lad, Barney is fast comin' 'round to my 
 way of thinkin' about you colonists who refuse to 
 obey the king, an' declares that when the war is 
 ended, whichever way the matter turns, he'll stay 
 in this country if so be his term of enlistment has 
 expired. Now I don't want to raise any hopes 
 that may be dashed, therefore you must take the 
 statement with many grains of salt when I say 
 that Barney has a scheme in your behalf, though 
 the odds are as ten to one against its workin' our 
 way." 
 
 " If it was an hundred to one we'd try it ! " I 
 cried, speaking incautiously loud. " What is it ? " 
 
 " Remember that it's only a bare chance, an 
 everythin' must work our way else it is useless," 
 Seth Hartley replied as if unwilling to give the 
 information lest we should build too many hopes 
 upon it. " As you must know, it is wickedly hot 
 - in the hold of the ship, where are stowed more than 
 two hundred of your people. Beginnin' with last 
 night, squad after squad of the prisoners has been 
 
300 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 allowed to come on deck for an hour at a time 
 lest they die faster than would be possible to bury 
 'em. By shiftin' off with one of his mates, Barney 
 can be on duty when we are ready to do our part 
 of it, an' declares that if your man has enough 
 of nerve, he may be able to slip away, though it 
 would be certain death if he was caught tryin' to 
 do the trick." 
 
 "Tell it all," I said impatiently. "Abel Grant 
 has nerve enough for any venture however des- 
 perate, an' you need not fear to frighten us who 
 have been standin' within the shadow of death since 
 the moment we landed on this island." 
 
 " I'm not afraid of f rightenin' you, lad ; but the 
 words trip on my tongue because of the thought 
 that you'll laugh at me for a fool to propose any- 
 thin' so wild. To be short, this is the plan : You 
 are to come here in the sloop on the next night 
 but one; keepin' her out of sight if possible, but 
 pullin' in a skiff to a short distance of the Good 
 Hope at about midnight. If Barney can work the 
 rest, as he claims, Abel Grant will be on deck at 
 the time. He is to let himself over the rail with 
 Barney to screen his movements, an' swim out to 
 you. If so be he can make the distance, an' you 
 take him aboard without bein' seen, it's then a 
 case of gettin' aboard the Swiftsure as soon as 
 may be, an' puttin' to sea. You see, lad, it's a slen- 
 der chance ; but yet far better than we hoped might 
 come our way when we set out on this venture." 
 
 " It is well worth the tryin'," Sam said em- 
 phatically, " though there are so many quirks which 
 must all fit into each other if it is to be a success, 
 that we may well have doubts about it. Suppose 
 your friend ain't detailed to guard the prisoners on 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 3OI 
 
 the night after the next, the trick can't be tried; 
 if the other members of the guard grow suspicious, 
 the fat is in the fire, or if through lacli of wind 
 we fail to be nearabout, then will Abel Grant swim 
 to his death." 
 
 " Ay, lad, an' if he is seen by the sentries after 
 droppin' into the water, he's well nigh certain of 
 bein' shot. It's best to figure all the chances, an' 
 then say if the game is worth the candle." 
 
 " That much I can say now," I whispered 
 earnestly. " No matter how many the chances of 
 death, it is better Abel Grant makes the venture, 
 than that he eat his heart out aboard that ship. 
 Does he know what your friend proposes ? " 
 
 " Ay, he an' Barney talked it over last night, 
 an' he's eager to try it; but first must know if 
 you're willin' to do your share ? " 
 
 " He should know that without askin' ! " Sam 
 cried indignantly. " Now because of his doubts 
 as to our courage, we must spend another day idly 
 here, when we should be performin' our part of 
 the task. It's by no means certain that the sloop 
 is where we left her, an' if she isn't, we must hunt 
 around for some craft that will answer our 
 purpose." 
 
 " You will be wastin' no time, lad, for if Barney 
 fails to see me when next he comes ashore, it will 
 be taken as token that we've left to attend to our 
 part of the business." 
 
 " An' we are to set about the work at once ? " 
 I cried, almost beside myself with joy at the pros- 
 pect of doing something, instead of lying there in 
 the swamp idle. 
 
 " Ay, as soon as night shall have come," Seth 
 Hartley said gravely ; " but you must go over in 
 
302 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 your mind once more all the dangers. Suppose 
 we leave here to find the sloop, an' fail in so doin', 
 or come to grief through Tory, or English soldier, 
 then have we doomed Abel Grant to death, for he 
 will make the attempt on the chances that nothin' 
 goes wrong with our end of the business. Then 
 again, we may come upon the Swiftsure without 
 trouble, only to be brought up with a sharp turn 
 by one of the king's ships, in which case your 
 friend will swim on and on without meetin' help, 
 and then, exhausted, sink to death. We shall be 
 strivin' to perform the impossible, and if one cog 
 of the wheel fails to fit exactly with another, the 
 whole machine goes to pieces." 
 
 " Abel was ready to take the chances ? " I asked. 
 
 " Ay, so Barney says." 
 
 " An' you believe your mate will do all in his 
 power? " 
 
 " Barney won't willingly fail us, though who 
 can say that when the time comes he may not be 
 ordered to other duty, an* you lads are left in the 
 lower bay waitin' for him who is not able to 
 come." 
 
 " That doesn't count," I replied impatiently. 
 " To my mind the most important question is as 
 to whether we can do our part on time, and for 
 that Abel Grant trusts us." 
 
 " Then we will set off as soon after nightfall 
 as seems safest," Seth said as if the conversation 
 was at an end, and indeed it was for a time, because 
 neither Sam nor I could find words for specula- 
 tion while our brains were awhirl with the gen- 
 eral idea. 
 
 Seth Hartley set about breaking his fast with the 
 flint-like biscuits, while we lads sat on the frail 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 303 
 
 platform silent and motionless, our thoughts go- 
 ing out to this new venture which was as wild and 
 desperate as man could devise. 
 
 After a time, however, when we were grown 
 accustomed to the idea, so to speak, we talked of the 
 possibilities of how we might best accomplish our 
 portion of the task, or of what could be done in 
 case the sloop had been captured by the enemy, and 
 thus it was that this last portion of our sojourn 
 in the swamp passed as swiftly as the earlier part 
 had gone slowly. 
 
 I was actually surprised when the shadows be- 
 gan to lengthen, to find that the day was nearly 
 done, and, believing that we would set off early, 
 I made ready for the journey by eating heartily 
 of the hard biscuits, Sam following my example. 
 
 As on the previous night, one by one the boats 
 returned to the ship, carrying the liberty men and 
 the sailors until it was as if we alone remained on 
 the island. 
 
 " I'm allowin' that we'd better hang on here till 
 it's reasonable to believe that those inland, who 
 live on our line of march, have turned in for the 
 night," Seth Hartley said when he saw Sam and 
 I moving about as if to make the start. " It's bet- 
 ter to wait an hour too long, than set off to find 
 ourselves prisoners through bein' too impatient." 
 
 " In case some one has carried the sloop away, 
 we'll need every minute that can be had in which to 
 find another craft," Sam grumbled, and Seth re- 
 plied cheerily: 
 
 " True for you, lad ; but if we set out now an' 
 come upon a roysterin' party of Tories, or a squad 
 of soldiers prowlin' around in search of plunder, 
 we won't be able to say whether the sloop is where 
 
304 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 we left her or not. This is a game in which a 
 mistake on the part of a single player will cost one 
 life if no more, an' we can't afford to take any 
 chances, so put a stopper on your impatience." 
 
 As a matter of course we knew that Seth Hart- 
 ley was in the right, and difficult though the task 
 was, I forced myself to await his movements with 
 some little semblance of cheerfulness. 
 
 It was not yet midnight, as we afterward came 
 to know, when he finally gave the word. We had 
 already crept out of the swamp, as on the previous 
 night, when the friendly darkness screened our 
 movements, therefore in order to begin the 
 journey it was only necessary to pick up the mus- 
 ket and ammunition which Abraham had foolishly, 
 as I then thought, brought from the sloop. 
 
 This time I was the one to lead the way, and 
 although I was by no means as good a guide as 
 Abe Decker, I had no doubts as to my ability to 
 pilot the party without going very far out of a 
 straight course. 
 
 I am not going to make any elifort at giving the 
 details of that tramp, because our adventures were 
 so many that there is not the time nor the space for 
 them all. 
 
 The first came when we were no more than a 
 mile from the swamp, and then, while making our 
 way through a thicket where I could have sworn 
 no human being would be found, we came plump 
 upon three red-coats who, as could readily be seen, 
 had come into the possession of more strong liquor 
 than was wholesome for them. 
 
 It was fortunate for us that they were con- 
 siderably less than half sober, and when we liter- 
 ally over-ran them, causing two to spring un- 
 
A RAY OF HOPE. 305 
 
 steadily to their feet with weapons in hand, Seth 
 Hartley answered their challenge, making it ap- 
 pear by his words that we were a party of marines 
 from the Good Hope out for a lark. Thanks to 
 the darkness, the drunkenness of the men, and 
 Seth's acquaintance with the crew of the prison- 
 ship, we were allowed to go our way unmolested. 
 
 The next adventure was brought about by my 
 carelessness. I thought to cross the pasture of a 
 Tory named Graves, whose land lay in our path as 
 I had mapped it out, for by so doing we could 
 save nearly half a mile in distance; but the house 
 dog smelled us out, and his barking aroused the 
 farmer. We did not dare take to our heels lest 
 the Tory should pursue, therefore Sam and I hid 
 behind a brush fence, while Seth Hartley explained 
 that he was making his way across lots to join his 
 ship off Gowanus creek. 
 
 No one could mistake Seth for other than an 
 Englishman, owing to his speech, and the Tory 
 sent us on our way with many a soft word, believ- 
 ing he was holding converse with those who loved 
 the king as dearly as he professed to do. 
 
 Twice we came upon a single Tory abroad, most 
 likely to spy out some poor Whig, and in each case 
 did Seth speak fairly while Sam and I kept in the 
 shadow that we might not be seen, with the result 
 that never once was our real character suspected, 
 and then, just after daybreak, we were come to the 
 creek on which we had left our gallant little sloop 
 after she had borne us so bravely past all the king's 
 ships. 
 
 Verily I had the hardest kind of work to prevent 
 myself from shouting aloud in joy when I saw the 
 end of her topmast above the foliage, thus show- 
 
3o6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 ing that our enemies had not found her; but I was 
 literally stunned when, on clambering over the rail, 
 I found the cuddy hatch fastened on the inside, 
 thus giving proof that some one had taken posses- 
 sion of her. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 UNDER FIRE. 
 
 I WAS in the advance when we came upon the 
 gallant little Swiftsure lying half concealed by the 
 foliage as when we had been forced to abandon 
 her, and had leaped aboard while my comrades 
 were a dozen or more paces in the rear. 
 
 It required no more than ten seconds for me to 
 make the discovery that the hatch was bolted on 
 the inside, thus showing that the cuddy had oc- 
 cupants, and without stopping to question whether 
 it might be prudent thus to raise my voice, I cried : 
 
 " There's somebody aboard here ! Hurry, lads, 
 for perhaps we set a trap without knowin' it, an' 
 have caught some game ! " 
 
 Seth Hartley, realizing my folly, for if there 
 were Britishers in the cuddy I was thus much the 
 same as inviting an attack, came up at full speed 
 believing we had lighted upon a hornet's nest, and 
 I had had time to grow more uneasy in mind when 
 the hatch was pushed open. 
 
 Now I did indeed cry aloud in astonishment not 
 unmixed with fear, for I fancied it was the face 
 of Abraham Decker that looked out upon me, and 
 yet I knew, or believed I did, that it could not be 
 him in the flesh, for if the lad was alive and at 
 liberty he would be in Peter Snyder's hut. 
 307 
 
3o8 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Well, have I changed so much in these few 
 hours that you don't know me? " the lad asked as 
 he thrust his head and shoulders through the hatch, 
 and, as I fancied, looked with surprise upon me. 
 " Have you given up tryin' to lend Abel Grant a 
 hand?" 
 
 I was aroused from my stupor of surprise by 
 hearing Sam cry in a joyful tone as he clambefed 
 over the rail : 
 
 " If this isn't good fortune I never expect to 
 have any! How does it happen that you are here, 
 Abraham Decker ? " 
 
 " First tell me why you have abandoned Abel ? " 
 the lad demanded, for by this time Seth Hartley 
 had come aboard, and he could see that we three 
 were alone. 
 
 " We haven't abandoned him ; but to tell why we 
 have come without him would be too long a story 
 until after you have made explanations," Sam re- 
 plied, and from his tone one would have said that 
 because of this unexpected meeting with Abraham 
 all his anxieties had been rolled away. 
 
 " My yarn is quickly spun. I went to Peter 
 Snyder's hut only to find it deserted. I reckon 
 some of these miserable Tories hereabout have de- 
 nounced the harmless old man as a Whig whom 
 it would be dangerous to leave at liberty, an' he 
 has been carried off to prison, as was Abel Grant," 
 Abraham said bitterly. " Therefore it was I came 
 here, thinkin' to make a try at runnin' the sloop 
 alone, for I couldn't hope to reach New York by 
 way of the ferry." 
 
 " An' have you got that whelp with you ? " I 
 cried, now having my wits about me. 
 
 " Ay, that I have. Do you forget that I 
 
UNDER FIRE. 309 
 
 promised he should not give me the sHp save at 
 the expense of his Hf e ? " and Abe pushed the hatch 
 open yet further that we might have a view of the 
 cuddy interior. 
 
 Looking down, I could see Luther Stedman, se- 
 curely lashed in one of the bunks, and with the 
 gag yet in his mouth, whereupon I asked, believ- 
 ing Abraham had shown himself unnecessarily 
 cruel : 
 
 " Have you kept his jaws open in that fashion 
 all this while?" 
 
 " Not a bit of it, for I'm not minded he shall 
 go out of this world too quickly," Abe replied with 
 a laugh. . " On hearin' you plungin' through the 
 bushes, I naturally believed an enemy was near at 
 hand, an' therefore took good care that it should 
 not be within his power to give an alarm. Now 
 tell me why you are here, an' if Abel Grant's res- 
 cue has been abandoned ? " 
 
 " Come ashore," Seth Hartley said, motioning 
 with his thumb toward the cuddy that Abe might 
 know we could not safely tell our story where 
 Luther Stedman would hear it. 
 
 In a twinkling the four of us were ashore again, 
 so far from the sloop that there would be no dan- 
 ger the Tory could play the eavesdropper, and then 
 I recounted in the fewest possible words all that 
 has been set down here. 
 
 It would be expressing it but feebly to say that 
 Abraham was overjoyed. He was hterally 
 aquiver with excitement, and appeared to believe 
 our comrade was already as good as at liberty, giv- 
 ing no heed whatsoever to the many chances that 
 our plans might go awry at the cost of one or more 
 lives. 
 
3IO THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " I thought fortune was playin' me a scurvy 
 trick when I found old Peter's hut deserted; but 
 now do I see that it was a piece of good luck, else 
 would you three have all the credit of stealin' a 
 prisoner from the enemy ! " he cried exultantly, 
 and I did not have it in my heart to show him 
 how slender was the thread on which we had hung 
 our hopes; but Seth Hartley said gravely: 
 
 " It yet remains to be seen if we can get the 
 sloop out of the creek without bein' discovered by 
 the enemy, an' as the first step toward makin' the 
 attempt, I am goin' to do a little spyin' on my own 
 account." 
 
 " What would you do ? " I asked in surprise 
 when he turned as if to leave us. 
 
 " We must get some idea as to where the Eng- 
 lish ships are lyin', an' that can only be done in the 
 daylight. I count on followin' down the creek 
 until it be possible to get a view of the fleet." 
 
 " Let me go with you ? " I said, for even as he 
 announced his purpose my mind was filled with 
 forebodings lest he come to grief at the very mo- 
 ment when his services were most needed. 
 
 " There is no good reason why two should go, 
 since one may the better get through unseen if, 
 peradventure, there be enemies close at hand; be- 
 sides, it is necessary you should rest after the 
 long tramp." 
 
 " I am no more weary than you, an' know the 
 lay of the land better," I replied, but yet the pos- 
 sibility of stretching myself out at full length in 
 one of the bunks was most enticing. 
 
 " Stay where you are," Seth replied curtly, and 
 then he hurried away as if afraid to prolong the 
 conversation lest I finally carry my point. 
 
UNDER FIRE. 311 
 
 I watched the brave fellow until he was lost to 
 view amid the foliage, and then said to Abra- 
 ham: 
 
 " If we are careful not to speak of our plans re- 
 gardin' Abel Grant so that the Tory may hear, I 
 see no reason why we should not go aboard, for we 
 can do Seth no good by remainin' here on the shore. 
 I'm hankerin' after some of the sloop's stores, to say 
 nothin' of getting' the chance to lie down on a dry 
 bed." 
 
 Abe made reply by leading the way over the 
 Swiftsure's rail, and when we were on the deck 
 heading for the cuddy, Sam checked us by asking: 
 
 " How has the Tory behaved ? Did he make 
 any show of tryin' to give you the slip ? " 
 
 " He was too wise for that, an' must have been 
 dull had he failed to understand that I would carry 
 out the threat I made before settin' off from 
 Gravesend. Besides, he's too nearly a cur to dare 
 make a move in his own behalf when the odds are 
 against him. A more thoroughly frightened 
 scoundrel I have never seen. He has obeyed every 
 order given, an' been as meek as any lamb. Wait 
 a bit till I take the gag out of his mouth, for I 
 haven't got the stomach to keep him in agony 
 longer than is necessary." 
 
 " Is your heart growin' soft toward him ? " Sam 
 asked scornfully, and Abe replied with a laugh: 
 
 " Not a bit of it. I'm as eager as ever to see 
 him punished for what has been done; but while 
 he's in such a funk of fright, it seems much like 
 whippin' a rabbit, to bear down very hard on him," 
 and as he spoke the lad went into the cuddy, where 
 we could hear him say to the prisoner : 
 
 " Remember that at the lightest squeak from you 
 
312 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 I shall carry out the threat made when you an' I 
 were here alone ! " 
 
 Then we could hear Luther reply indistinctly, as 
 if it was difficult to speak after his jaws had been 
 stiffened by the gag: 
 
 " You know very well that I'll do just what you 
 tell me! You won't let the other fellows handle 
 me roughly, for I'm tryin' not to give you any 
 trouble?" 
 
 This whining gave me a sensation as of nausea, 
 and I turned away in a rage. The idea of such 
 as he doing whatsoever he could to bring us to a 
 prison, so long as all the odds were in his favor, 
 and then fawning like a sick kitten when we had 
 the upper hand! I can see something to admire 
 in an enemy who stands up manfully, however 
 many the chances against him; but when man or 
 lad shows the white feather, I've nothing but the 
 veriest contempt for him. Perhaps this comes 
 from the fact of my having felt timorous so many 
 times when everything looked dark; but I can say 
 in all truth that however much of cowardice may 
 have been in my heart, no one ever could say that 
 he saw any signs of it. 
 
 When Abraham came on deck after having 
 taken the gag from Luther's mouth, Sam said, as 
 if a happy thought had just come to him: 
 
 " If yonder Tory is in such a funk, now would 
 be a good time to find out how it was he escaped 
 from prison. That has been in my mind ever since 
 the attack on the sloop at the ferry stairs, an' I'd 
 give much to have the mystery cleared." 
 
 " I've got the story already," Abe replied as a 
 frown overspread his face. " The Tory an' I have 
 had little else to do than clear up such mysteries as 
 
UNDER FIRE. 313 
 
 that in which he was concerned, an' among the 
 first questions I put to him was regardin' his 
 escape." 
 
 " An' he told you ? " I asked eagerly. 
 
 " He is much too frightened an' cowardly to do 
 other than I demanded. That cur would betray 
 his warmest friend, if by so doin' he might benefit 
 himself." 
 
 " How did he get free ? " Sam cried impatiently. 
 
 " It isn't a very pleasant story to hear," Abra- 
 ham said gravely, and by the expression on his 
 face I understood that we were to learn of some 
 treachery. " It seems that Master Dyker, Jethro's 
 father, he whom we have ever believed a good 
 friend to the Cause, was the one who worked the 
 trick, an' since he did so it is proof that he has 
 been playin' us false all this while." 
 
 Next to my own father. Master Dyker was the 
 one whom I believed true to the Cause, and the 
 fact that he had shown himself to be a traitor was 
 well calculated to make a fellow distrustful of every 
 one around. It seemed so incredible that, after I 
 was somewhat recovered from the stupefaction 
 which came upon me with the information, I asked 
 Abraham if he was convinced the truth had been 
 told, or if Luther Stedman might not be lying for 
 some secret purpose. 
 
 " There can be no question about it," the lad 
 said sorrowfully. " I have questioned the Tory so 
 sharply that if he had been lyin' I must have tripped 
 him up. Since the night when we were attacked 
 by the gang that acted under his orders, I have 
 been askin' myself how it was they got hold of a 
 sufficient number of boats in which to cross from 
 New York to Brooklyn, when every craft had been 
 
314 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 secured for use of the army, an' he has explained 
 that Master Dyker outfitted the party. I have 
 even seen the receipt for money paid by Luther on 
 that date." 
 
 It was information which would sadden every 
 friend of the Cause, and I asked myself who among 
 our acquaintances could be trusted when such as 
 Master Dyker had proved false. 
 
 We were yet silent and thoughtful, sadly turn- 
 ing over in our minds that which Abraham had 
 said, when Seth Hartley returned, and I fancied 
 there was an expression of satisfaction on his face. 
 
 " I believe we can get out of here, when the time 
 comes, with but little trouble," he said as he came 
 over the rail. " The English fleet have gone fur- 
 ther up the harbor, an' I question if we shall run 
 across a single ship between here an' where the 
 Good Hope is anchored." 
 
 " Then why shouldn't we begin to warp out of 
 the creek at once ? " Sam asked eagerly. " It 
 might make the biggest kind of a difference in case 
 we could start at sunset, an' if we don't begin to 
 move the sloop now, we won't be on our course 
 till near to midnight." 
 
 I looked for Abe to make reply, believing he 
 would take sides with Sam in the matter ; but much 
 to my surprise he said, before it was possible for 
 any one else to speak: 
 
 " We can't afford to take any chances, an' there's 
 no knowin' who might see us if we worked down 
 to the mouth of the creek. With so much at stake 
 we must exercise every caution, an', as I look at 
 the matter, we'd best stay where we are until night 
 has come." 
 
 " In that you are right," Seth Hartley added em- 
 
UNDER FIRE. 315 
 
 phatically. " We shall have no trouble in workin' 
 down between midnight an' daylight, however 
 light the wind. Perhaps it may be well if we don't 
 succeed in gettin' there to-night, since the venture 
 is not to be made until another day has passed." 
 
 " You fellows who have been travelin' so far 
 had best turn in an' get what rest you can so's to 
 be ready for a long spell of wakefulness," Abra- 
 ham interrupted. " I've been spendin' the greater 
 portion of my time in slumber, an' will stand 
 ■watch." 
 
 This proposition was much to my liking, for I 
 understood that by getting into the best possible 
 bodily condition we would be the same as making 
 preparations for the task before us, and I went 
 below without further parley. 
 
 In order that we might get all the comfort to 
 be had on the sloop, Abraham dragged his prisoner 
 out on the floor, that one of us might have the use 
 of his berth, and within half an hour we who had 
 just come up from Gravesend were sleeping 
 soundly, and, perhaps, noisily. 
 
 When Abe awakened us it yet lacked half an 
 hour or more of sunset; but he had already pre- 
 pared a supper that seemed, after our short com- 
 mons of flinty biscuit, like a real feast, and ex- 
 plained that he. believed we ought to have time to 
 eat leisurely so we might put a substantial lining 
 to our stomachs. 
 
 " I allow we can afford to make a move within 
 an hour after sunset," he said, putting the food 
 before us ; " but we're not to have matters as 
 easy as when we came down from New York. 
 There isn't a cloud in the sky; it will be very light, 
 an' we can't hope to run past any craft unseen. 
 
3l6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Luckily the wind holds fairly strong, an' I'm al- 
 lowin' it'll be a bit fresher when the sun goes down. 
 Have you fellows decided on where we shall stay 
 till to-morrow night?" 
 
 I waited to give Seth or Sam a chance to speak, 
 but since they held their peace, I said, having given 
 the matter due thought: 
 
 " It strikes me we couldn't do better than to 
 run down the Jersey coast, strikin' straight across 
 on leavin' the creek. There would be no great 
 harm done if we kept on to Great Kills, where we 
 shall find a good harbor, with no fear the British- 
 ers will come that way, or, if it seems wiser to you, 
 we can put out to sea." 
 
 Abraham was in favor of the first proposition, 
 and thus we settled the matter in short order. 
 
 We loitered over the meal in order to occupy as 
 much time as possible, but it was yet light when 
 we went on deck and examined every rope and bolt 
 to make certain all was as it should be, although 
 the Swiftsure had been tried out in good shape 
 during the run down from New York. 
 
 Not until night had fully come did we make the 
 first move toward warping out of the creek, and 
 then went to work in good earnest, taking every 
 care to keep within the lines of shadow as much as 
 possible. 
 
 Seth Hartley and Abraham, in the skiff, pulled 
 her stern around the sharpest bends, while Sam 
 and I poled her along the reaches, and I allowed 
 it was near to nine o'clock in the evening when she 
 was in open water where the canvas could be 
 spread. 
 
 The wind had not lessened in force, and was just 
 about strong enough to suit the little sloop, for 
 
UNDER FIRE. 317 
 
 in too heavy weather she was prone to bury her 
 nose to such an extent as to check her headway, 
 and Abraham said to me as he came over the rail, 
 leaving to Seth the duty of making the skiff fast 
 astern : 
 
 " We couldn't ask for a better night, save in the 
 matter of light. So far as bein' hidden from view 
 of any craft we may come upon, it might as well 
 be broad day. If only the clouds had gathered ! " 
 
 " When we left Gravesend the chances of our 
 bein' able to get as far along in the scheme as this 
 were so slim, that I'm not disposed to find fault 
 now," I said laughingly, and it seems strange to 
 me even now that I, who had been so doubtful of 
 success a few hours previous, should have felt 
 light-hearted when we were setting out on a cruise 
 where danger lurked on every hand. 
 
 " If you'll take the helm I'll keep lookout for- 
 ward," the lad replied, gloomily, as I thought, and 
 in a twinkling we had all the canvas spread, the 
 little craft having a bone in her teeth almost im- 
 mediately afterward, for she was ever quick at 
 starting. 
 
 As had been agreed upon, we headed straight 
 across for the Jersey shore, and I dare venture to 
 say that every pair of eyes on deck were strained 
 to catch the first view of a possible enemy as soon 
 as we had come out from the shelter of the land. 
 
 Save for the twinkling lights well up in the in- 
 ner harbor, we saw no sign of any craft until hav- 
 ing got well out into the bay, and then my heart 
 came into my mouth when a small brig appeared, 
 as if she had leaped up out of the water. That 
 she had been well down on the other shore I un- 
 derstood at once, and her seemingly sudden ap- 
 
3l8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 pearance was due to the fact that she had hauled 
 around, thus presenting her broadside, but I was 
 none the less startled and alarmed. 
 
 " Can she be one of the Britishers ? " I asked 
 in a whisper of Seth, believing she was much too 
 small for a war vessel, and he replied softly: 
 
 " There are three such craft in the fleet ; small 
 brigs carryin' from four to six guns, an' intended 
 to do guard duty at a time like this when there's 
 a big stretch of water to be patrolled." 
 
 " It looks much as if she had come around to 
 have a look at us," I suggested, putting no faith in 
 my own statement, and therefore I started again 
 when he said promptly : 
 
 " That's exactly what she's about, lad, an' we 
 shall be called upon to heave to for a visit, or get 
 a fair idea of how skillful her gunners may be." 
 
 " We might as well surrender at once, as to let 
 them come aboard, for with a prisoner in the 
 cuddy, an' a British marine on deck, we can't stand 
 very close inspection," I said, striving to hold my 
 voice steady. 
 
 " Are you willin' to take the chances of tryin' 
 to show your heels ? " he asked almost in a whis- 
 per, as if my reply might be of the greatest im- 
 portance to him, and Abraham, who had come aft 
 to report the brig, replied sharply: 
 
 " Of course we are ! There's nothin' else to be 
 done. I'd rather take the chances of bein' sent 
 to the bottom than give over the plan to help Abel 
 Grant. It would be death for him, if we were 
 overhauled now, an' so it would be for you, Seth 
 Hartley," he added as he suddenly came to realize 
 what discovery would cost our marine. 
 
UNDER FIRE. 319 
 
 " Ay, lad ; but that isn't to be reckoned against 
 your safety — " 
 
 " Our safety ! " Abe cried, his voice sounding 
 loud and shrill on the night air. " What safety 
 is to be found in a British prison? I'd rather go 
 to the bottom with the sloop, than aboard the 
 Good Hope as prisoner! Besides, to heave to 
 now would insure the freein' of Luther Stedman, 
 an' that shan't come about while I've got breath 
 enough left to protest." 
 
 " What do you say, Sam ? " I asked, minded that 
 each member of our little party should have a 
 voice in the matter. 
 
 " I believe as does Abe ; we'll go through ac- 
 cordin' to the agreement made with Barney Nel- 
 son, or lose our lives in the tryin'. Besides," he 
 added in a hopeful tone, " I'm not so certain but 
 that the sloop can do a little more than stand her 
 own with yonder Britisher while the wind holds 
 as now." 
 
 As he spoke I hauled the Swiftsure a trifle more 
 to the southward, so that the brig would have to 
 change her course in order to come within musket- 
 shot of us, reckoning at the time that our swing- 
 ing around would not be noticed by the enemy; 
 but I soon had good reason to know that we were 
 being watched very closely. 
 
 The brig's bow came around to meet the change 
 in our course, and if the two craft continued on 
 without change of helm, they would come to- 
 gether midway between the two shores. 
 
 " They've got their eyes on us mighty sharp," 
 Abe said grimly as he noted the movements of the 
 brig. " We may as well be killed for a sheep as 
 
320 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 a lamb, so why not head due south, an' take the 
 chances? That's what you'll have to do precious 
 soon if we count on leadin' 'em a chase." 
 
 I acted upon the suggestion at once, and now 
 with the wind abeam, and the sheets hauled sharp 
 in, our little craft was at her best. If we could 
 not show the brig our heels on this stretch, it 
 never could be done. 
 
 The Britishers were attending to their business 
 sharply enough to please the veriest grumbler, for 
 within twenty seconds after I had hauled around 
 we saw the flash of a gun, and a solid shot skipped 
 across our bow no more than fifty yards away. 
 
 " That means they're bent on havin' a closer 
 look at us," Abe said with never a tremor of the 
 voice, and I would have given everything I owned 
 to have been able to appear as unconcerned as he. 
 It is not to be supposed I was showing myself a 
 coward, for I afterward came to know from what 
 my comrades said that they believed my heart was 
 as stout as the bravest; but I myself knew that my 
 mouth suddenly became parched, my heart forced 
 itself into my throat at seeming risk of choking 
 me, while my hands would have trembled but for 
 the grip I had on the spokes of the wheel. 
 
 " Trim ship a bit, an' lay low," Seth Hartley 
 said suddenly. " The sloop will do better if we 
 get our stations an' keep 'em. There's no need 
 of a lookout now, an' I'm thinkin' two of us had 
 best go amidships." 
 
 The benefit of the change of position on our 
 part could be seen immediately the lads got settled 
 down; but at that moment I did not have time 
 to note it critically, for the brig let fly another 
 
UNDER FIRE. 32 1 
 
 shot, and when I heard the missile whistling above 
 my head it seemed as if it came within a few inches 
 of striking us. 
 
 " The oftener she fires the better will be our 
 chances of givin' them the slip," Abe said as he 
 raised his head to look at the enemy. " I'm ready 
 to take your place at the helm, Eph, if you'll feel 
 any more safe lyin' here." 
 
 Even though I had known to a certainty that 
 the next shot would hit me, I would not have 
 exchanged places with him, for even though my 
 heart was thumping loudly because of fear, my 
 comrades should never know that being under fire 
 disturbed me in the slightest, and I replied, calling 
 up the most cheery tone at my command : 
 
 " I'll stay where I am, lad, till you an' the others 
 insist that you can hold the course better than I'm 
 doin'. As for safety, I reckon there's precious 
 little choice of stations." 
 
 " Your upper lip is stiff," Abe said approvingly, 
 and I smiled ever so slightly because he was thus 
 deceived. 
 
 The Britishers were not afraid of burning pow- 
 der, for within the next half-minute another solid 
 shot came hurtling across the water; but this time 
 the gunner was wild — we neither saw nor heard 
 it. 
 
 In order to keep her guns bearing on us, the 
 brig had been forced to haul around on a course 
 parallel with ours, and thus we understood that 
 it was her purpose to sink us offhand, rather than 
 spend time in chase. 
 
 " You are gainin' on her a bit ! " Seth Hartley 
 cried, evidently thinking I needed heartening. " If 
 
322 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 her gunners will slip up on their aim with the 
 next dozen shots, we're like to come off scott 
 free." 
 
 He had no more than spoken when we saw an- 
 other flash, and a second later the gallant little 
 sloop heeled as if she had struck a reef, while the 
 white splinters flew in a shower from her bow. 
 
 I believed she was wounded to the death, and 
 can well fancy that there was a note of sadness in 
 my voice as I cried sharply: 
 
 " Get forward there an' see what mischief has 
 been done. Sam, you'd best stand by the skiff in 
 case we need it suddenly ! " 
 
 Seth and Abraham obeyed the command even 
 as I spoke, and at the same instant a wail of fear 
 came up from the cuddy : 
 
 " Don't leave me here to be killed ! Don't leave 
 me. I'll do whatsoever you say if you won't leave 
 me!" 
 
 " Don't fret yourself about that," Sam shouted 
 much as if matters were moving exactly to his 
 taste. " We're not minded to lose you again, 
 Luther; but if your very particular friends send 
 their old iron around so carelessly, there's a good 
 show of our bein' together for all time to come." 
 
 " There's nothin' wrong here ! " Abe cried from 
 the bow, and it seemed as if only then did I begin 
 to breathe. " We've lost the bitts, and some of 
 the bow rail ; but nothin' to count ! " 
 
 Another shot on the heels of the one that had 
 come so near the target; but it buried itself in the 
 water fifty feet astern, and Seth Hartley shouted 
 as if he no longer had any fear as to the final re- 
 sult: 
 
 " Keep her to the course, lad. The Englishmen 
 
UNDER FIRE. 323 
 
 are growin' nervous, an' we need only hold out 
 five minutes longer to be beyond range, for we're 
 gainin' hand over hand." 
 
 The matter of keeping her to the course did not 
 worry me; but I questioned whether the little craft 
 would hold together five minutes longer. It 
 needed only that one shot should strike us fairly to 
 put an end to the chase in short order, and it 
 seemed to me absolutely impossible the gunners 
 could send half a dozen more without hitting the 
 mark. 
 
 I had not allowed myself to look at the enemy, 
 but kept my eyes on the course that we might not 
 lose a single inch; yet when Seth Hartley insisted 
 that we were gaining I could not resist the temp- 
 tation to glance over my shoulder, and that which 
 I saw put new heart into me. 
 
 If the brig had been holding her own she should 
 have been directly abreast of us, whereas, short 
 though the time had been, her jib-boom was no 
 more than on even terms with our stern. As I 
 gazed she yawned again to fire another shot, and 
 then I could see why we were showing our heels 
 so handily, for she must have lost a good ten yards 
 in order to send after us a missile that flew even 
 wider than the others. 
 
 " Don't leave me, lads 1 For Heaven's sake, don't 
 leave me tied up in this fashion so that I can't move 
 so much as a finger ! " came from the cuddy, and it 
 was not needed one should look down at the pris- 
 oner in order to know that he was half dead with 
 fear. 
 
 " Don't fret yourself about our leavin' anythin' 
 like you ! " Sam cried. " We'll take precious good 
 care of your body, Luther Stedman, till we can put 
 
3^4 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 it in the custody of those who don't change their 
 coats with every turn of the tide; but we feel it 
 our solemn duty to run away from your red-coated 
 friends yonder in order to save ourselves from bein' 
 shocked by such woeful waste of powder an' ball." 
 
 " Don't crow, Sam," I said earnestly. " We're 
 not out of the woods yet, an' the next shot may 
 send us to the bottom ! " 
 
 " They'll have to get new spectacles for their 
 gunners before anythin' like that can happen," the 
 lad cried joyously as a shot passed high over our 
 heads. " This little craft has run around the whole 
 fleet, an' it'll be odd if she can't get the best of a 
 measly brig like that yonder ! " 
 
 I hope I shan't be accused of drawing the long 
 bow when I say that the enemy sent no less than ten 
 more missiles at us, and never once came near 
 enough to make a fellow wink ; but such is the truth, 
 as can be testified to by more than one. The brig 
 continued to fire as long as we were within range; 
 but owing to the distance she lost in so doing, we 
 were soon so far ahead that the shot struck astern, 
 and in half an hour from the time we were first 
 under fire the little Swiftsure was sending the spray 
 over her bow as if she enjoyed the wetting, while 
 the lumbering brig was no more than a dark 
 smudge in our wake. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 A STRONG SWIMMER. 
 
 That we had come out of the muddle in a mar- 
 velously fortunate manner, goes without saying, 
 and I question if there is another craft of the Swift- 
 sure's size that has run away from a full-rigged 
 brig in such a short space of time. It was some- 
 thing to crow over, for we lads had built the gal- 
 lant little sloop from keel to mast-head, with never 
 a person to aid or advise, and had good right to 
 feel proud at walking away from the Britisher at 
 such a pace. 
 
 It would be a brave story to tell, and we had 
 the right after taking all the risks, to dwell over 
 it as we pleased; but when I look back at the mat- 
 ter now it does not seem such a wonderful per- 
 formance. I am not inclined to belittle that which 
 was done by our sloop, yet I can now see the Brit- 
 isher was at a disadvantage. 
 
 The wind was a fairly strong one for a craft 
 of the Swiftsure's size, and only half as heavy as 
 the brig needed, consequently our sloop was able to 
 do her very best, while the Britisher was gasping 
 for breath, so to speak. In addition to this handi- 
 cap, she was forced to lose way every time a gun 
 was discharged, while we kept straight on without 
 let or hindrance, taking the chances of being sent 
 to the bottom. 
 
 325 
 
326 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 However, give the Britisher all the allowance pos- 
 sible, and it was something of which we might be 
 excused for feeling proud, and it can well be fan- 
 cied that we did not spare our praises for the little 
 sloop. Twice had she served us a mighty good 
 turn, and it is not to be wondered at that we felt 
 the warmest admiration for her. 
 
 In the excitement of the chase, when the heavy 
 shots were being sent our way, we had given no 
 heed to the prison ship, although we must have 
 passed within full view of her riding lights. How- 
 ever, it was not needed that we have another look 
 at her, for we knew right well where to find the 
 craft when the time had come for Abel Grant to 
 make his desperate attempt at escape. 
 
 The important question for us to decide was 
 whether we should make for the Jersey shore as 
 had been agreed upon, or if it was wiser that we 
 put to sea, running the risk of being able to get back 
 on time, and I looked at Seth Hartley, as if asking 
 him to settle the matter. 
 
 " My advice is," he said, reading the question in 
 my eyes, " to put to sea for a time. If the wind 
 shows signs of flattenin' out we should be able, 
 'twixt now an' to-morrow night, to work back to 
 Coney Island, an' it is much the same as a fact that 
 the brig will make search for us before mornin', 
 even if she isn't followin' our wake this very min- 
 ute." 
 
 I turned to my comrades to see what they thought 
 of this advice, and both appeared to think there 
 was no further need of words, therefore I held 
 the bow of the sloop due south, but gave the word 
 to slacken away the sheets, for we were not eager to 
 make overly much distance. 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 327 
 
 When we had settled down to an outside cruise, 
 and nothing could be seen to cause alarm, Abraham 
 went down to have a look at the prisoner, and I 
 heard him say with much of scorn in his tone : 
 
 " You are the lad who dared to make an attack 
 on this craft when you had fifteen or twenty disso- 
 lute fellows to do your bidding ; but you haven't got 
 the courage to lay here when a shot or two skims 
 over the sloop! I can have some little regard for 
 a brave enemy; but take the combination of coward 
 an Tory, an' it makes mean stuff." 
 
 " You wouldn't like to be tied up here in this 
 fashion while the sloop was bein' shot into frag- 
 ments ! " Luther whined. 
 
 " Were you in any more danger than either of 
 us? You should have been proud because your 
 particular friends had their eyes wide open enough 
 to see us while we were slippin' down the harbor, 
 though I'm allowin' there isn't very much chance 
 for pride in their marksmanship." 
 
 " I wouldn't have been frightened if I hadn't been 
 trussed up in this fashion, for if the sloop had 
 been swamped, as seemed likely when the shots 
 were comin' so thickly, I couldn't raise a finger to 
 save myself." 
 
 " I didn't count that you should be able to do 
 anythin' of the kind. If your friends had sunk us, 
 it was time for you to go to the bottom, since we're 
 not countin' that you'll ever have the chance to 
 work us more injury." 
 
 " Do you count on murderin' me ? " Luther cried 
 with a wail of agony, and Abraham replied with a 
 laugh : 
 
 " Not a bit of it, because you're so worthless that 
 I couldn't afford to remember I'd had a hand in 
 
328 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 puttin' you out of the way. But I don't count on 
 givin' you a chance to escape, and whenever your 
 friends press us too hard, you'll be stowed where 
 whatever of harm comes will strike you first. Just 
 now, seein' that you can't do us a mischief, I'm 
 goin' to give you a chance to move about a bit." 
 
 From the sounds which followed I fancied that 
 Abe was unloosening the Tory's bonds, therefore 
 was not surprised when the cur poked his head out 
 of the cuddy hatch, most like in order to get an 
 idea of where we were. 
 
 " It's not a pleasant thing to have before one's 
 eyes," I said when Abe came on deck again ; " but 
 I reckon it was no more than right he should have 
 a chance to get the cramps out of his limbs." 
 
 " He can't do any harm now that we're so far at 
 sea, an' because he's like to have a long spell of 
 layin' in harness when we work inland again, it 
 seems no more than decent to ease up on him a 
 little, though I'm willin' to admit we haven't any 
 call to show mercy after all he has done, an' tried to 
 do, to us. When Abel Grant comes aboard, as 
 please God he may before another night has worn 
 away, it shall be for him to say what we'll do with 
 the sneak." 
 
 Luther St^dman heard these words, and he shrank 
 back out of sight as if having received a blow, as 
 well he might, for it was wholly due to him that our 
 comrade had been made a prisoner, and it was not 
 likely that, having just come from quarters on the 
 Good Hope, Abel would be inclined to mercy while 
 passing sentence on the Tory cur who had worked 
 him so much harm. 
 
 It was not pleasing to see the Tory moving about 
 in the cuddy as if he was a member of our com- 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 329 
 
 pany; but better that than inflict torture, and we 
 pulled the hatch over the companion-way to shut 
 him out from view. 
 , When we had run five or six miles from the 
 land, I proposed that we heave to, rather than take 
 the chances of going so far away that we might 
 not be able to get back on time, and from then until 
 nearly sunrise it was only a question of making 
 ourselves as comfortable as possible. 
 
 We lounged around on deck, for the air was not 
 overly chilly, spinning yarns or speculating as to 
 whether General Washington would make a stand 
 in New York when the British were ready to attack ; 
 but never once did we speak of the work on hand. 
 As for my own part, I did not dare to start the 
 conversation on that subject lest with discussion 
 of the chances against us I might grow faint- 
 hearted. At a later day, Abraham confessed that 
 he held his peace concerning the rescue because he 
 already knew of too many reasons why we might 
 fail, and feared some one would suggest a danger 
 such as had not yet come to his mind. 
 
 When the conversation lagged one or another 
 would get " forty winks " of sleep, or have out of 
 the stores sufficient to provide him with a meal that 
 was not needed; but when the first gray streaks of 
 the coming day appeared in the eastern sky all 
 hands were on the alert, and divided in opinion as 
 to whether it would be safest to make harbor back 
 of Coney Island, or off the Jersey shore. 
 
 I was in favor of the latter anchorage, as was 
 Seth Hartley, and after a few moments of tongue- 
 wagging all agreed that this plan should be car- 
 ried out. Therefore it was that in the dim light 
 pf the morning, with the wind still holding fairly 
 
330 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 strong, we stood across to Great Kills, seeing neither 
 ship nor skiff on the waters. 
 
 Now in order to reach a point as near the prison 
 ship as it would be safe to venture, we would be 
 forced to row many miles in the skiff, unless we 
 used the sloop during a portion of the journey, and 
 when we were come to anchor inside the sand-spit 
 where was little chance of being seen by any craft 
 that came into or went out of the harbor, I made the 
 following proposition: 
 
 " If at sunset the wind holds as now, I'm of the 
 mind that we can do no better than stand across 
 a full two-thirds of the distance from here to Graves- 
 end. Then whosoever is to handle the skiff can 
 put off in her, while the sloop cruises to an' fro, as 
 near the Good Hope as is safe, to the end that if 
 Abel Grant's escape is discovered before he is well 
 clear of the ship, we may make a rush with this same 
 craft that has twice shown her heels to the Brit- 
 ishers." 
 
 " Suppose we agree upon that plan, who is to go 
 in the skiff?" Abe asked jealously, and I knew 
 he was fearing lest he miss being given the most 
 dangerous post. 
 
 " It is to my mind that Seth Hartley should be 
 one to go in the skiff, since he can tell very much 
 of what is bein' done on the ship, while either of us 
 would be all at sea on such matters," I said, firmly 
 determined to carry this point even though it might 
 be necessary to exercise my authority as leader of 
 the Minute Boys. 
 
 " I can well see why that should be done," Abe 
 said emphatically, " an' am agreed, if Seth is willin' 
 to take the chances knowin' that in event of bein' 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 33 1 
 
 captured he'd be hung without much ceremony," and 
 the lad looked inquiringly toward our marine, who 
 repHed quietly: 
 
 " I shall be in no more danger aboard the skiff, 
 than when we were hidin' in the swamp, an' if I 
 had not been willin' to take any an' every chance, I 
 should not be with you now." 
 
 " If all Britishers were like you, Seth, how 
 quickly this so-called rebellion would come to an 
 end ! " Sam said admiringly, and Abe asked impa- 
 tiently : 
 
 " Who is to go with Seth, that's what I want to 
 know? It seems as if, since I was willin' to set off 
 with Luther Stedman, leavin' to you fellows all the 
 chances that might come to finish the job without 
 me, I should be given an opportunity to show my- 
 self." 
 
 " You must be a glutton for danger if the night 
 tramp across the island, when you were hampered 
 by a prisoner, was not enough," Sam cried laugh- 
 ingly. " So far I haven't had a chance to do very 
 much, but it is known full well that I can pull a 
 good stroke at the oars, an' it seems as if you an' 
 Eph might give way for me." 
 
 I had not spoken, though I was aching to have 
 a hand in the adventure despite all the dangers which 
 caused the cold chills to run down my back, and 
 Seth must have understood somewhat of this, for 
 he said after Sam had made his plea: 
 
 " It strikes me that the only fair way would be to 
 make the decision by lot. Each of you is eager to 
 have a hand in the matter, an' well it should be so, 
 since it shows you to be lads of mettle; but the 
 claim of one is no greater than that of the others." 
 
332 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 " Very well, we'll settle it that way ! " Abraham 
 cried, and I knew he was praying that he might win 
 what was like to be the prize of death. " You 
 shall make ready the lots, an' we'll abide by the de- 
 cision." 
 
 Seth went into the cuddy where was Luther, still 
 at liberty, only long enough to get three bits of rat- 
 line stuff, which he held in his closed hand as he said : 
 
 " One of these is much shorter than the others, 
 an' he who draws it shall be entitled to go with me 
 in the skiff." 
 
 Sam made his selection hurriedly, eagerly ; Abra- 
 ham came next, and when I took the remaining lot 
 it was to find that mine was the shortest. It was 
 a great piece of luck, and I knew full well that 
 both the other lads envied me. 
 
 " Now that the matter is decided, I hope you two 
 who are to handle the sloop will be cautious," I 
 said, speaking as I believed a leader had the right. 
 " Do not come within sight of the prison ship im- 
 less we have been discovered, an' you feel ceirtain 
 it will be possible to lend us a hand. In case you 
 see that we cannot escape, if chase be made, think 
 only of securin' your own safety, leavin' us to our 
 fate, for it is better that two of us pay the penalty 
 than that all be captured an' our Tory set free." 
 
 " If you think there is fear that I may not be 
 sufficiently cautious, change places with me, an' then 
 you'll know to a certainty that the sloop will be 
 handled with due regard to the safety of those on 
 board," Abe cried eagerly, and for the moment I 
 verily believe he thought it might be possible to 
 work his will by using such an argument. 
 
 " We'd best hold to the agreement that was made 
 by drawin' lots," I said with a smile which did not 
 
A STRONG SWtMMEti. 333 
 
 tend to sooth the lad. " It was only in my mind 
 that if it seemed impossible Seth an' I could come 
 out of the venture alive, then your duty would be 
 to look after the safety of those who had a show 
 of goin' free." 
 
 " Suppose you was runnin' the sloop, an' I had 
 gone in the skiff with Seth," Abraham cried ir- 
 ritably. " If you saw a boat-load of Britishers • 
 overhaulin' us, would you turn tail an' run away ? " 
 
 I could not well answer the question without go- 
 ing back on my own advice, therefore held my 
 peace, and Seth Hartley put an end to the conversa- 
 tion by saying with a smile : 
 
 " I'm thinkin' you lads, now that the details have 
 been arranged, had better set about makin' prepara- 
 tions for the night's work, instead of rufflin' each 
 other. Even if matters go exactly as we could 
 wish, there's a deal of hard work to be done, an' 
 he who gets the most rest 'twixt now an' sunset 
 will be in the best shape for it. How about 
 standin' hourly watches, one at a time, all the others 
 to make every effort at goin' to sleep ? " 
 
 I question if either of us felt any inclination to 
 turn in just then; but all understood that Seth had 
 spoken wisely, and we made a downright task of 
 sleeping, I taking the first trick. 
 
 Luther was allowed to remain at liberty, with the 
 understanding that he was not to come on deck, and 
 I had little to do save think of what the night might 
 have in store for us. Seaward not so much as the 
 wing of a gull was in sight, and as far as could be 
 seen along the sandy shore it was as if the land 
 had never been inhabited. 
 
 My eyes were really heavy with slumber when 
 I aroused Seth, after an hour or more had passed, 
 
334 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 and, lying at full length on the cuddy floor, I slept 
 without being disturbed when the watches were 
 changed, throughout nearly the whole of that day. 
 
 The sun was no more than an hour high in the 
 heavens when I awakened because of having had 
 my fill of sleep, and found Seth and Abe both in 
 the cockpit. 
 
 " Have you two been standin' more than your 
 share of the watches ? " I asked sharply, and was 
 soon made to know that Seth had but just come 
 out of the cuddy, while Abe, like myself, was sur- 
 feited with slumber. 
 
 Five minutes later Sam awakened of his own 
 accord, and we four sat in the cockpit silent and 
 motionless, awaiting the coming of night. It was 
 not a time for conversation, and yet so great was 
 the suspense that to think of what remained to be 
 done was almost painful. 
 
 We made ready the canvas for hoisting ; examined 
 the oars in the skiff critically, for a defect in one 
 might cost the lives of all, and, at Seth's suggestion, 
 wound the row-locks with rope that we might be 
 able to pull the more silently. The wind held 
 steady, with promise of freshening after sunset, for 
 already were fleecy clouds coming up out of the 
 west, not in sufficient force to shut out the light of 
 the stars, but yet enough to tell that the little Swift- 
 sure would have a fair chance to show what she 
 was able to do in the way of sailing. 
 
 " So far everythin' is in our favor, an' if Barney 
 Nelson has been able to do his share, we should 
 succeed," Seth said as he hove the anchor short by 
 way of finding some work for his hands. 
 
 We had cleared the deck of everything movable 
 that might not be needed, and otherwise done all 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 33S 
 
 in our power to guard against accidents. When the 
 sun set Abraham went down and made his prisoner 
 fast in the bunk again, not heeding Luther's plead- 
 ing or promises, and as the last rays of golden light 
 faded away in the west, we got under way, although 
 there was no real need of our leaving the anchorage 
 for two hours more. 
 
 We stood well down off Coney Island in order 
 to pass the time, and when it seemed as if it was 
 near nine o'clock we turned the sloop's bow up the 
 bay, thus really beginning the venture. 
 
 The little Swiftsure made good time, but glided 
 over the water as silently as a shadow, as if un- 
 derstanding the necessity for caution, until we were 
 come off the lights of the prison ship, perhaps three 
 miles away due east. 
 
 " I allow this is our spot, lad," Seth Hartley said 
 in a whisper, for so strongly were we imbued with 
 the idea that absolute silence was essential to the 
 success of the venture, that we had hardly taken a 
 long breath since heading on a northerly course. 
 
 Abraham, who was standing nearby, took the 
 helm, and, throwing aside my boots, coat, hat and 
 vest in order to be prepared for swimming if any- 
 thing of the kind became necessary, I dropped into 
 the skiff which Sam was holding alongside, the 
 sloop's headway having been checked. 
 
 Without a word of farewell, or even a whisper 
 to each other, we settled down to the oars, pulling 
 steadily but cautiously, and thus made our way 
 across the bay until it was possible to see the riding 
 lights of the Good Hope quite distinctly. 
 
 " Here's where we'd best wait," Seth said, speak- 
 ing for the first time since we left the sloop, and at 
 the same moment shipping his oars. 
 
336 THE MINUTE BOYS OP LONG ISLAND. 
 
 It was in my mind that we might safely venture 
 a full half-mile nearer; but he was the one who 
 should know best, and I held my peace. 
 
 In the night, however much light may be given 
 by the stars, it is difficult to judge of distances on 
 the water; but it seemed to me as if we were not 
 less than a mile and a half from the Good Hope, 
 and while we were so far away it would not be 
 possible to lend Abel Grant any aid if he was dis- 
 covered at the moment of letting himself over the 
 ship's side. 
 
 By gestures I made Seth Hartley understand that 
 in my opinion we should pull up nearer the Good 
 Hope; but he shook his head so decidedly that I 
 made no further attempt at persuading him, though 
 I said to myself that if Abel Grant came to grief 
 after getting into the water, our marine could be 
 held responsible. 
 
 I had thought the time of suspense while we were 
 on the sloop as painful as anything well could be; 
 but it was veriest peace and content as compared 
 with this straining one's eyes to see and ears to 
 hear, without avail. We were too far away to 
 make out what might be going on aboard ; but must 
 sit there watching the twinkling lights and listening 
 to the lip-lip-lipping of the water against the side of 
 the skiff, powerless to aid even in the slightest de- 
 gree the poor fellow whom we believed was about 
 to make an effort at escaping. 
 
 Moment after moment passed without change, 
 and I became so wrought up that it was actually 
 necessary to shut my teeth on the handle of the oar, 
 otheryvise I would have cried aloud from sheer ner- 
 vousness. 
 
 Seth remained motionless as a statue, save when 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 237 
 
 the swinging of the skiff forced him to turn on the 
 thwart that he might keep his eyes fixed upon the 
 ship, and after it seemed absolutely impossible for 
 me to longer restrain my impatience, I asked in a 
 soft whisper: 
 
 "How late is it?" 
 
 "An hour or more past midnight," he replied 
 without turning his head, and my heart sank within 
 me. 
 
 " Then he has failed ! " I said in despair. 
 
 " It may be Barney could not make the necessary 
 arrangements, an' the attempt has been put off." 
 
 " Then why should we remain here longer? " 
 
 " Because we do not know what may have been 
 done," he replied, just a bit curtly as I fancied, and 
 once more we resumed our listening and watching, 
 but now hope was dead in my heart, and I played 
 my part listlessly, thinking only that we were 
 trifling with our own lives by remaining so near the 
 enemy. 
 
 When perhaps half an hour more had passed 
 without bringing any token from the man whom, 
 we had hoped to save, I saw the canvas of the Swift- 
 sure, ghost-like amid the gloom, and knew that 
 Abraham and Sam had come to make certain we 
 were safe. Touching Seth Hartley on the shoulder, 
 I pointed out the sail to him, but he shook his head 
 impatiently, and turned again to fasten his gaze on 
 the prison ship. 
 
 Now the strain upon my nerves was lessened in 
 some slight degree, since I could occupy myself 
 with the movements of the sloop. I saw her stand 
 off and on, keeping at the same distance, however, 
 and thus knew that the lads, having made out the 
 skiff, were assured as to our whereabouts. 
 
338 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Then, when I had said to myself that we were 
 playing the simple by remaining there longer, the 
 skifif was rocked violently to and fro as if some 
 monster of the deep had struck her, and only by 
 the utmost effort did I prevent myself from shriek- 
 ing in terror as a small black object appeared above 
 the gunwale within a few inches of where I was 
 sitting. 
 
 Seth Hartley bent forward to grasp the strange 
 object, and I was literally stricken dumb with as- 
 tonishment when Abel Grant's face, the hair hang- 
 ing over it in snake-like wisps, was before me. 
 
 Neither he nor Seth spoke, but our marine, guid- 
 ing him to the stern of the skifiE, set about assisting 
 the poor fellow inboard, while I moved here or there 
 as was necessary to prevent the light craft from 
 oversetting. 
 
 When this had been done Seth touched my lips 
 with his wet fingers in token that I was to hold my 
 peace, and then took up the oars, swinging the skiff 
 around until she was headed for the ghostly sail in 
 the distance. 
 
 I never shall be able to tell how fervent was the 
 hymn of thanksgiving in my heart, or how nearly 
 overpowe^ng the astonishment that Abel had come 
 upon us thus unseen, and as a means of letting off 
 some of the excitement and triumph I pulled at the 
 oars as never before, sending the skiff ahead with 
 a gurgling of water under the bow that sounded like 
 sweetest music. 
 
 Abraham and Sam saw when we turned the craft, 
 and bore down upon us supposing we had tired of 
 the vigil, with never a suspicion that the work had 
 been accomplished successfully, while Abel Grant sat 
 in the stern sheets swaying his body to and fro to 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 339 
 
 mark the time for our stroke, as if he had just come 
 aboard after a season of pleasuring. 
 
 We were alongside the sloop and made fast be- 
 fore Abraham realized that we in the skiff num- 
 bered three, and then he cried : 
 
 " Where did — " 
 
 " Not a whisper ! " Seth Hartley said hoarsely, 
 and instantly he clambered over the rail the helm 
 was in his keeping, the sloop being headed due 
 south. 
 
 Not until we were fully two miles away was 
 a word spoken, though Abel Grant continued, to 
 shake each of us by the hand with a grip which 
 would have been painful but for our intense joy, 
 and then Seth said, speaking cautiously even though 
 we were so far away : 
 
 " Now I'm thinkin' Abel Grant had better tell his 
 story, for I'm achin' to know how he could have 
 come upon the skiff so secretly while I was keepin' 
 watch as I never did before." 
 
 " Go ahead, Abel ! " I added, " for until I hear 
 your voice I shan't feel really certain that you are 
 here, even though my arm is lame through your 
 efforts to wring my hand from it." 
 
 " I reckon you can figger it all out, needin' no 
 words of mine," our " admiral " said with a low 
 laugh of satisfaction. " Barin' our marine here, 
 that Barney Nelson is the most decent Britisher I 
 ever came across. He laid out the plan' an' asked 
 if I was willin' to try it. Willin' ? I'd have agreed 
 if the water of the sea had been boilin' hot, for 
 anythin' was better than the stayin' there, with 
 that whelp of a Luther Stedman crowin' over 
 me—" 
 
 "Luther Stedman is in the cuddy tied hand an' 
 
340 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 foot, so after tellin' your story you can go below 
 an' crow over him," Sam cried in glee. 
 
 " That Tory on board this craft ? " Abel asked, 
 and would have showered us with questions but that 
 I said sharply: 
 
 " Tell your story first, admiral, an' then you shall 
 hear all about the Tory." 
 
 " Wa'al, as I've said, when that Britisher allowed 
 he'd be willin' to give me a lift, I told him I'd agree 
 to try anythin' he could figger out, an' so I did. 
 Jest about midnight I was told, off with twenty other 
 poor wretches to take my turn at gettin' a breath 
 of fresh air on deck, an' there was your Barney 
 Nelson on guard. He'd already explained that if 
 I saw him doin' duty I was to work around behind 
 him, next the rail, where I'd find a rope hangin' 
 over, an' it all went along slick as grease. I got 
 behind the marine; found the rope, an' let myself 
 down inter the water, expectin' to feel the ping of 
 a British bullet every minute. Of course I didn't 
 try to splash 'round very much, but pushed off, 
 swimmin' like a water-logged dory." 
 
 " Did you swim from midnight till you came 
 alongside the skiff ? " I asked in surprise, and Abel 
 replied with a gleeful laugh : 
 
 " Ay, lad, that's what I did, seein's there wasn't 
 any dock nigh at hand for me to haul up at. I 
 reckon I'd got well over to the Jersey shore before 
 havin' the idee that I was out of the course, an' 
 then I hove to for a bit. You see Nelson didn't tell 
 me where you was likely to be, so I had to do a 
 deal of guessin' till the sail of the sloop loomed up 
 in the distance, an' then I knew you lads were close 
 at hand. After that it was only a case of keepin' 
 my arms an' legs goin', not puttin' in any very 
 
A STRONG SWIMMER. 341 
 
 hard licks, 'cause I was bound to save my wind 
 seein's it might be necessary to paddle 'round quite 
 a spell." 
 
 " You must have been swimmin' a good three 
 hours ! " Abraham exclaimed, and Abel replied with 
 a grin: 
 
 " I reckon I was in the water that long ; but I 
 turned over on my back now an' then for a breathin' 
 spell. It wasn't sich a very long pull for the 
 admiral of a fleet, 'cause of course he ought'er know 
 how to handle himself in the water, else he wouldn't 
 be fit to take command of the Minute Boys' navy." 
 
 It would be useless for me to attempt to set down 
 all that was said that night when, at the distance of 
 five miles or more, we ran down the Long Island 
 shore. It was as if each of us needed to hear him- 
 self talk, and there was no thought of anything save 
 yarn spinning until every fellow had wagged his 
 tongue sore. 
 
 And now, because I have taken up more time and 
 pages than he who reads may care to spend or turn, 
 this poor apology for a story of what we poor 
 apologies for Minute Boys did, shall come to a 
 speedy end, with the promise that at some day I 
 will set clown all we accomplished when our com- 
 pany numbered fifty-four members, for it grew 
 apace after somewhat of our work was made known. 
 
 As may well be understod, we did not attempt to 
 gain New York by sailing up the bay, but doubled 
 Montauk Point as we had done once before, only 
 to find, after an unusually long voyage, that the 
 enemy was in possession of the colony far beyond 
 Meyers Point, while our army appeared to be mak- 
 ing for the Hudson river. 
 
 Then it was that we tricked the Britishers once 
 
342 THE MINUTE BOYS OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 more by sneaking up to Frog's Point in the night, 
 laying there close under a clump of overhanging 
 trees till the following evening, when, with the 
 wind blowing considerably more than half a gale 
 and the rain coming down as if the heavens had 
 suddenly opened, we ran up the Harlem river to 
 King's bridge. There, by unshipping our mast, we 
 slipped through into the Hudson river, and as far 
 up the stream as Yonkers. 
 
 At this place we parted company with Luther 
 Stedman, being as glad to get rid of the cur as he 
 was to go. We left the Tory in the keeping of 
 Colonel Clinton, who contrived to keep him in 
 prison a good six months, after which he was set 
 free because his value as an enemy did not warrant 
 further bother with him. We Minute Boys failed 
 to see the scoundrel until more than a year had 
 passed, and then we crippled him for good, as shall 
 be told when I write concerning what we did after 
 our company was sufficiently large to make it of 
 real service in the war. 
 
 And Seth Hartley? His time of enlistment ex- 
 pired before he had been with us four months, and 
 then both he and Abel were regularly enrolled in 
 our ranks. 
 
 At this moment the Swiftsure, old and worn as 
 are her builders, lies at anchor within my range of 
 vision, and there was never a time when we called 
 upon her that she did not respond like some thing 
 of flesh and blood. 
 
 THE END. 
 
ffl 
 
 ,ttiii