BOYS 5fcm ^otk HaU ai0lUge of Agrkultitre fit (fotnell HlmaEtBitH atljsra. SJ. 1- ICibratg PZ 7.K124MTn""™"""""'"^' ^lllliliiiiiiiinimiS?ir °' '^^"' ^°'''< ='*y. «"-»*e 3 1924 014 492 924 Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014492924 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK AMERICAN HISTORY STORIES FOR BOY* THE MINUTE BOY SERIES By Edward Stratemeyer and James Otis The Minate Boys of Lexington The Minute Boys of Bunker Hill The Minute Boys of the Green Mountains The Minute Boys of the Mohawk Valley The Minute Boys of the Wyoming Valley THE MEXICAN WAR SERIES By Capt Ralph Bonehill For the Liberty of Texas With Taylor on the Rio Grande Under Scott in Mexico DANA £STE5 (St COMPANY PtiblisHers Estes Press, Summer St., Boston WE ARE, SIR, RICHARD REPLIED. The Minute Boys of New York City WRITTEN BY ADAM SKIDMORE JAMES OTIS Author of " The Minute Boys of Long Island," " The Minute Boys of Wyoming Valley," " Boys of '98," " Teddy and Carrots," " Boys of Fort Schuyler," "Under the Liberty Tree," etc., etc. Illusttatt!) 62 L. J. BRIDGMAN BOSTON DANA ESTES &* COMPANY PUBLISHERS Copyright, igog By Dana Estes & Company All rights reservea Published, July, 1909 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Printed by THE COLONIAL PRESS: C.H.SimondsCS^Co.,Boston,U.S.A. A REMINDER " When the Provincial Congress assembled (at New York City, May 22, 1775), its complexion disappointed the people. Toryism and timidity prevailed in that Assembly, and the elaboration of schemes for conciliation, instead of measures for defense, occupied the majority. Hard pressed by public opinion, and the influence of important events daily transpiring, they were obliged to yield. " Four regiments were authorized to be raised ; fortifications at King's Bridge were ordered, and measures taken to fortify the Hudson passes in the Highlands. In the meanwhile the patriots gathered in force around Boston; the battle of Bunker Hill was fought ; a Continental army was organized, and George Washington appointed the commander-in- chief. " Rumors of the approach of troops from Ire- land came, and the Provincial Congress, somewhat purged of its Toryism by intelligence from the East, invited General Wooster, then in command of eight- een hundred Connecticut militia at Greenwich, to come to the defense of New York. He encamped at Harlem for several weeks, sent detachments to beat off marauders who were carrying away the cattle off Long Island to the British army in Boston, and by his presence made the New York patriots bold and active. " They captured British stores at Turtle bay, A REMINDER and sent part to the grand army at Boston, and a part to the troops then collecting on Lake Cham- plain to invade Canada; they also seized a tender, with stores, belonging to the Asia, and took pos- session of provisions and clothing deposited at Greenwich by the government." — Lossing's " Field-Book of the Revolution." CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. The Boys from Jamaica ii 11. The Collision 28 III. The Minute Boys 46 IV. A Pitched Battle 64 V. Taking Prisoners 82 VI. In Hiding 98 VII. Joseph Harker 116 VIII. Cruising 133 IX. A Perplexing Situation 150 X. A Dangerous Venture 168 XL Showing Our Colors 184 XII. A Running Fight 202 XIII. A Land Expedition 219 XIV. A Hornet's Nest 236 XV. A Hot Race 255 XVI. On the Boston Road 274 XVII. Turtle Bay 291 XVIII. Surprising Jacob 310 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGB " ' We are, sir,' Richard replied " . . Frontispiece " It was as if a troop of men suddenly fell upon us " 41 " ' Hello in the woods! ' " . "' So WE have found the traitor!'" " ' Is THE captain ABOARD ? ' " . . " ' Where did you get that crew ? ' " " ' Be you for the king, or the colonies ? ' " The Attack on the Storehouse 80 120 163 193 244 306 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK CHAPTER I THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA Although my father was one of the foremost Whigs in the township of Jamaica, on Long Island, a member of the Sons of Liberty, and one who did his full share with Master Willett when Major Moncrief's soldiers would have transported the spare muskets from New York, by taking forcible possession of them against the will of the king's officer, it was not in my mind that I might have any part in the work of aiding the Colonies to gain freedom from an oppressive rule, until that day in June when I carried to Master Robert Ben- son, one of the secretaries of our Congress, a cer- tain document. Not until the first of July would I be fourteen years of age, and it was on the last day of May, in the year of grace 1775, that the idea of taking part with my elders in the struggle which every man, woman and child knew must be before us, was suggested to me as if by accident. Because I did arrive at the dignity of being num- bered among the Minute Boys of New York City, and all by chance, as one might say, it seems to II 12 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK me it would be well to set down, even at this late day, what little part I played in the battle against the king, and how great a service was rendered by lads with whom I had the good fortune to be joined. In telling a story, however short, it is always well to commence at the very beginning, and therefore it is I must show how it chanced that I met for the first time John Benson, son of that Robert who, as I have already said, was one of the secretaries of the Provincial Congress. My home was in Jamaica, and, owing to the troublous times, we lads in that settlement did not often venture into New York where was much of brawling and real fighting whenever politics were introduced as the topic of conversation, yet it must not be supposed that we were in ignorance of what was being done around us. Our blood boiled when we heard of the doings at Lexington and Concord ; we were ready to do battle when an attempt was made to put Master Sears into prison, and threw up our caps when word was brought that the colonists, under the lead of Masters Lamb and Willett, prevented vessels laden with supplies for the king's army in Boston, from leav- ing the harbor. I wish I might say that all our people of Jamaica felt as did my father and his friends regarding the Sons of Liberty and their purpose; but in order that the truth may be told, it must be set down that there were more Tories than Whigs on Long island, and he would have been willfully blind and deaf who did not understand that when the fighting be- gan in our vicinity, it must be neighbor against THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 1 3 neighbor, and, in more than one case, father against son. It was when our Congress ruled that four regi- ments should be raised for the defense of New York City, and fortifications thrown up nearabout, that the Whigs of Jamaica determined to do some- thing more than talk, and after a number of secret meetings enrolled themselves as against the king, setting the matter down in black and white that no man might claim to misunderstand their purpose. Since I had the honor to carry that same writing to New York, for certain reasons which shall be explained later, it is only reasonable I should have full knowledge of the whole matter, and what was written by our people stands out as fresh in my memory to-day, as when, with beating heart, I first read the lines. This is what was prepared on the last day of May, when I lacked two months of being fourteen years old. "To the Provincial Congress for the Colony of New York: "We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, in- habitants of the township of Jamaica, do hereby de- clare, that we have associated ourselves as a com- pany of Minute Men, for the defense of American Liberty, and do hereby promise and engage to be obedient to our officers, and subject to the resolu- tions and directions of the ■ Honorable the Conti- nental Congress, and of the Provincial Congress of this colony. And we, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the said company, have elected the following gentlemen for our commis- sioned officers, to-wit: 14 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK "John Skidmore, Esq., Captain; Jacob Wright, Gent., first Lieutenant; Nicholas Everit, Gent., sec- ond Lieutenant; and Ephraim Marsten, Gent., En- sign. " In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, in the year of our Lord, 1775." Then followed the signatures of all those who had enlisted, to the number of fifty-two, and although I can repeat each in turn as it was set down on the document, it is not needed I should do so while telling the story of the Minute Boys instead of Minute Men. My father was the John Skidmore, Esq, who had been elected captain of our Jamaica company, and, of course, he should have been the one to carry the document to the Congress ; but on the evening before he was to set off in the morning, word was brought that Captain Hulet of Hempstead, with his com- pany of Tories, was coming to our township, and these newly enrolled Minute Men were needed to guard their homes. Then did it seem much as if I had suddenly grown to be a man, for my father, calling me to him in the fore room of our home, said, speaking more solemnly than I had ever heard him before: " Adam, it is for you to act as messenger for our people. I have a document which must be de- livered to Master Benson of the Provincial Congress as soon as may be, and believe I may trust you in the business." It was a great matter for me, as can well be supposed, and straightway I began to puff out with pride because of being entrusted with a man's work, whereupon my father, understanding what was in THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 1 5 my heart, read such a lesson as caused me to real- ize that only because no other could be spared from the town, was I allowed to venture upon so important a mission. When he had combed me well down, and I was once more a reasonably sensible lad, he gave most explicit directions as to all my movements until having arrived home once more, which last was uncertain, because my orders were to remain, if so be any serious disturbance was afoot, until it would be possible to travel with comparative safety. As a matter of course, the most direct course would have been for me to go on horseback by the New Lots road through Flatbush, and from there by way of Gowanus bay to the ferry at Brooklyn; but the Tories were astir like hornets whose nests had been disturbed, and there were many who, knowing me as the son of John Skidmore, would suspect that my movements had somewhat to do with the Whigs. In such case it was certain I would be greatly hindered, if not actually ill-treated, and might never succeed in seeing Master Benson. Therefore it was, and because I was a fairly good sailor for my years, father proposed that I should slip down Cornell's creek in my skiff, which was provided with a good spread of canvas, strike across Jamaica bay, up past Coney island, through the Narrows, and thus to New York. It would be a reasonably long voyage for a lad; but give greater chances of a successful ending, and it pleased me right well, for I am free to confess that I did not hanker after a brush with the rascally Tories near- about Flatbush or Bedford. In fact, by the time my father had come to an end of his instructions, I understood full well all l6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK the dangers that lay in the path, and if my pride had not already been humbled, it would have taken flight while the perils were being recounted. I was beginning to look forward to the voyage with somewhat of dread, when my father an- nounced that I might have as companion Enoch Cebra, a comrade who was very dear, having been my playmate for as many years as I could remem- ber. Enoch's father was a private in the Jamaica company of Minute Men, and as staunch a Whig as could be found in the colony of New York, or any other colony, for that niatter. Now indeed did the journey take on somewhat of a pleasing nature, and I promised myself we two lads would get to know all that was going on in the city before turning our faces homeward. There was no time to be lost, if I would obey the instructions of my father, for the skiff must be put in shape for a voyage, and no little in the way of provisions stowed on board, since we might, by reason of contrary winds, be many days on the way. I need not say that Enoch was overjoyed at being allowed to take part in what seemed a most im- portant mission, and we two worked like beavers until nigh to ten o'clock that night, when every preparation had been made for a start at high water. The creek was not so deep that we could run the whole length of it at ebb tide; but within two hours after sunrise the trick might be turned without difficulty. When Enoch and I parted to get what sleep might be possible while our eyes were opened so wide by the excitement of the coming journey, I sorrowed because we could not set off at the first THE BOYS PROM JAMAICA 17 crack of dawn; but, next morning, I blessed the tide for not being at its full any earlier, otherwise we would have missed seeing our Jamaica Minute Men in full uniform as they turned out to meet Captain Hulet's Tories. A fine display they made, each man wearing a white frock that came three or four inches below his knees, with a deep fringe around the neck and wrists, and a white feather in his hat. Enoch was disposed to grumble because they did not have brighter colors; but I soon silenced him by pointing out that they were striving to get as far as possible opposite to the gaudy red coats of the king's troops. That they were no wise disturbed by the thoughts of a brush with the Tories, could be told by the hearty manner in which was sung the song made for them by Master Mills. I cannot now set down all the verses, for there were very many ; but these remain in my memory, as indeed they should after the many times I have done my full part in singing them: "Arouse, my brother Minute Men! And let us bear our chorus; The braver and the bolder, The more they will adore us. " Our country calls for swords and balls, Our drums aloud do rattle, Our fifer's charms arouse to arms, And liberty calls to battle. " Now to our station let us march And rendezvous with pleasure. Behaving like brave Minute Men To save so great a treasure. "Why should we be dismayed, If the Tories — they do thunder. j8 the minute boys of new YORK They only want to ruin us And live upon their plunder. " That Tory brood that has withstood This great and glorious jovial, If they advance, we'll make 'em dance The tune of Yankee Doodle." We could hear the words of the song far up the road when the skiff was shoved off from the bank, with both us lads handling a pair of oars, for we could not use our canvas until after getting out of the creek, and Enoch said proudly : " They'll show Hulet's sneaks what it means to take sides with the king against us colonists, and I'm hoping the lesson will be a stout one." " If they come to shooting, our fathers are there, Enoch, and who shall say that they are proof against Tory bullets, however just the cause ? " This silenced the lad, who, perhaps, until that moment had not realized that his father might fall in the first battle, and in silence we pulled down the creek, aided famously by the ebbing tide, until coming out into the bay, where we found a bit more than a capful of wind to send us toward New York. Both Enoch and I strove to put far from our minds all that might happen before our return to those we loved, and this was not difficult when we chose for our theme the possibilities of teaching the king such a lesson, as would let him understand that we of the American colonies would not tamely submit to the rule of tyranny. The day passed without incident worth recording. We had all the wind that was needed, with per- haps a little more, but I refused to listen when Enoch proposed we take a reef in the sail, for I THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 19 was minded to arrive at New York as soon as might be, and in order to do so would not shirk possible danger if so be the voyage could be made the more quickly. It was near to sunset when we came off Barren island, and since we could not well make a harbor on Coney island, I proposed to haul in around the westerly point where I believed might be found a shanty in which we would be sheltered from the wind. Enoch would have run all night; but I did not believe it wise, for we had need to husband our strength, if so be the wind played such tricks that we were forced to take to the oars. We had the good fortune to come upon the apol- ogy for a shelter without very much search, and, having already satisfied our hunger, lay down upon the bed of sand with never a fear as to what might come, sleeping there as soundly and sweetly as at home. There was but the faintest tinge of gray in the sky when we were astir next morning, and with no more of delay than was necessary for the launch- ing of the boat, we continued the voyage, singing the Jamaica Minute Men's verses as a safe vent to our feelings. Verily it was as if even the elements would favor the Cause, for we kept the wind all the way from Barren island up to the battery at Bowling Green, getting so much of it now and then that Enoch was forced to bail a good third of the time, while I gripped the tiller until my arms were benumbed be- yond the sense of feeling. But we never raised a finger to ease the skiff, even when the breeze forced our rail beneath the surface, and thus the voyage. 20 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK ■which my father had counted might take a full four days, came to an end at midnight, less than eight and forty hours from the time of starting. It was something of which to be proud, that we had put the skiff along at such a pace ; but we were far too tired to spend much time in rejoicings after having run alongside Whitehall slip. There was no hunting for a soft bed, even though we had money with which to pay for one, but both of us stretched out at full length in the bottom of the boat, pulling the sail over us as protection against the dew, and straightway fell asleep, not to awaken until the sun was a full half-hour high next morning. Enoch was of the mind that we should first go to a coffee-house for breakfast; but I burned to have the mission accomplished before indulging in any- thing like comfort or luxury, and insisted that we could satisfy our hunger with corn-bread until the business was transacted. " We will first find where Master Benson lives, and when the document from the Jamaica Minute Men has been delivered, I am ready to feast as long as we have money with which to pay for it." Enoch was ever ready to give way when I set my face resolutely toward the goal, and stufifing his mouth full of bread he clambered up on the pier just in time to meet a watchman, who, his night's work having come to an end, was about to go home. He it was who told us that Master Benson lived on Hanover square, and he was so kind as to walk a portion of the way with us that we might not go astray, therefore we came to the secretary's house before the good man himself was out of bed. It was a black woman, one of the servants, who answered our summons at the door, and when she THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 21 told me in reply to my request for an interview with the master of the house, that he had not yet arisen, I was about to turn away quickly, ashamed because we had shown our country breeding by calling upon a gentleman before the usual time of attending to business; but a lad of about my own age suddenly appeared, as he asked : " Have you journeyed far to see my father? " " From Jamaica, on Long island," I replied a bit roughly because of my shame, and the lad asked kindly : " Have you but just arrived ? " " We made fast to Whitehall slip about midnight, and, being in haste to finish that which we were bidden to do, hurried here before waiting to eat, forgetting that gentlemen do not show themselves at such an hour." " My father is attending to his duties in the Con- gress until late in the night, and, therefore, must lie in bed longer than those who can go to sleep whenever the fancy takes them. I am just going to my breakfast ; will you come with me ? " I looked down at my garments, which were much the worse for wear, and by no means improved after sleeping in them at the shanty on Barren island and again on the bottom of the skiff, and the lad seemed to understand what was in my mind as well as if I had given words to the thought, for he said quickly: " You need not fear that my mother will come upon us ; we shall be alone, and, what is greatly to my liking, will eat in the kitchen rather than the dining-room." My heart went out to the lad at once, and without further protest I entered the house as he bade me 22 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK by his gestures, Enoch following close at my heels, taking in all that was costly and beautiful in the furnishings. " My name is John Benson," the lad said as he led us toward the kitchen, and I could do no less than introduce Enoch and myself, after which we sat down to such a meal as I had never partaken of before, for it was made up of as much meat as four men could have eaten. While Enoch and I were much the same as feast- ing, John Benson questioned us as to our reason for having come so far in order to see his father, whereupon I, seeing no good reason for secrecy, not only told him the purpose of the journey, but made bold to display the document which gave good proof that at least some of our people of Jamaica were ready to give all to the Cause. "And what are the boys of Jamaica doing?" John Benson asked eagerly, after reading the docu- ment which bound fifty-two of our people to brave the anger and the power of the king. " What are they doing ? " I repeated in bewilder- ment, not understanding the drift of his question. " We two have come with this paper that our fathers may go to meet the Tories, who would deprive the townspeople of arms, and those lads who were not so fortunate as to be selected for the mission, are most like at home busied with whatsoever of work may be laid out for theiji." " I mean, what are you lads doing for the Cause ? " John Benson added quickly, seeing that I failed of understanding him. " Here in New York we count to raise a company of Minute Boys. It may not be that we shall accomplish very much against the lobster-backs; but the time will come. THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 23 if SO be we hold together, when we can do that which men cannot." " How old are the boys ? " Enoch asked, and I could see that he was fired with the idea of lads banding themselves together against the enemy. " Thus far the matter is hardly begun. We have six, counting myself, and hope to enroll more; but the Tories are as many in this city as on your island, and a goodly number of them I know, be- lieve, as do their fathers, that we should kiss the king's hand even when it smites us." " How old are the lads ? " Enoch repeated, and John Benson said as if it was something of which to be ashamed: " The eldest among us is not yet fifteen, and the youngest but little more than twelve years old ; but even we may be able to render some service, and in the years to come, when the red-coats have been driven from the colonies, we will be proud to re- member that we did all we could." " Indeed you will ! " I cried, now growing quite as hot in the matter as was Enoch. " I would we might raise a company in Jamaica; but the Tories are so many there that we would soon be dispersed with a flogging, if our Minute Men left town even for a short time." " Why not join our company ? " John Benson cried eagerly as he rose to his feet excitedly. " We have said to ourselves that it might be possible to enroll lads who lived nearby, and whenever the time arrived that our services were needed, we whose homes are in the city could give shelter to those who Came from a distance." "Would you do it?" Enoch asked sharply, and John Benson, his face flushing with pleasure at the 24 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK prospect of gaining two recruits for his company, replied heartily: " Indeed and indeed ! My father has already agreed to the plan, and I promise to lodge you two here, if so be .you join us." " There's little doubt as to our joining," Enoch said promptly, and added after an instant's thought, " Of course it will be necessary to gain the consent of our parents." "If your fathers have formed a company of Min- ute Men, knowing how much the colony needs every arm, then surely will there be little question of gain- ing their permission. When do you go back to Jamaica ? " " We counted to see somewhat of the city first," I said, beginning to be ashamed of showing curiosity to this lad who was burning with the desire to be of some service to the Cause. " That may well come later, however," I added lamely, " if so be there is any reason why we should set off at once." " I will speak with my father, and, if he gives consent, go back with you. Then, having settled matters at your homes, we three can come here to meet our comrades." It pleased me wonderfully that this brave lad should be willing to go to Jamaica with us, for I doubted not that my father would give his consent all the more readily if it was asked for by the son of Master Robert Benson, secretary of our Congress. Then John questioned me concerning the voyage, and so confident was he no protest would be made to his going with us, that he straightway ordered the servants to make ready a supply of food. This done, and his father not appearing, he insisted that I give him the document we brought, saying eagerly : THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 25 " I will show it to father before he gets out of bed, and it may be you will not need to wait until he is ready for business." My mind was in a whirl to join John Benson's company of Minute Boys, but yet a visit to New York was so rare an event that I disliked to leave the city almost immediately after arriving; but I gave the document to the lad, and he ran off as if every moment was precious. There were so many servants about that Enoch and I had no opportunity for private converse, there- fore we remained silent at the table, pecking here and there at the food as a means of passing the time, until I was full to the point of bursting, and whis- pered to my comrade : " If I was to gorge myself each day with good things as I have this morning, in less than a week it would be little use to enroll me as a Minute Boy, for I should not have enough of life left to get out of my own way." " It is a good deal like gluttony," the lad replied, " and yet I am not sorry because of having a chance to know how it feels to have a stomach crowded full of dainties such as mine is." Then John Benson came back to us, and there was on his face that which told us, without need of words, that he had succeeded. " I am to go with you," he said breathlessly, as if having run a race. " My father will write a letter to be taken to Jamaica, and then we can set off." It was in my mind to explain to the eager lad that we could not give him all the luxuries at my home, however we strove to show hospitality, such as he was accustomed to at Hanover square; but 56 THE MINUTM BOYS OF NEW YORK 1 checked myself lest he niight fancy we were not willing to share with him what we had, and strove to put aside the feeling of disappointment which Was mine because of not being allowed to stroll about the city where, as I knew full well, were to be seen many wonderful sights. John Benson was not yet done with overseeing the preparation of the food to be taken with us, when a summons came from his father, and Enoch and I went at once to where the gentleman awaited us. Master Benson questioned us sharply as to the politics of our neighbors in Jamaica, and I was sur- prised at learning that he knew many of the more prominent Tories by name, at least. Then he asked concerning Iny father's company, and if it was prob- able blows would be dealt in case the Minute Boys came upon the Hatnpstead men, who preferred to serve the king father than do what they might for the well-being of the colonies. When his curiosity had been satisfied as to these matters, he gave to me a paper on which was writteti my father's name, saying as he did so : " My son John is eager to go home with you, be- lieving a word from him Will have weight when you ask permission to call yourselves Minute Boys." " And in that he is correct, sir," I made haste to reply. " When my father knows that this enlisting a company of lads has your favor, he will be glad that I have had an opportunity to join the ranks." " If matters turn as now seem probable," Master Benson Said much as if talking to himself, " a com- pany of boys who stand ready for whatsoever service may be required, can come very near doing the work of then, and I am pleased that John should THE BOYS FROM JAMAICA 27 show himself so eager in the work. He is to go with you; but it must be understood that your mother's wishes are to be consulted as to the length of time he remains in Jamaica, and she is to have no hesitation about telling him to go home when it so pleases her." Like the stupid that I am at such times, I could find no reply to this remark, but stood shifting from one foot to the other as if I was the veriest dolt that ever came from Long island. Fortunately for me, however. Master Benson seemed to have other mat- ters in mind just then, and I question much if he knew whether or no I showed myself a simple. John was ready for the voyage when the servant again showed us into the kitchen, and so eager to be off that I really did not dare say a single word against it, though I, like Enoch, was literally aching to have a glimpse of that Broad Way whereon might be seen all the important people of the city. CHAPTER II THE COLLISION ■As I have said, John Benson made generous preparations for provisioning the skiff during the homeward voyage. It seemed to me as if he had taken a goodly sample of all the food in his father's house, and as my disappointment at not being allowed to roam around the city wore away, I said to myself that it would not give me sorrow if the journey was prolonged many days, so that I might know what it was to spend all my time feasting. The three of us were well burdened as we went at a rapid pace to Whitehall slip, and once there the provisions were laid on the bulkhead until I could haul the skiff around that they might be put aboard. When we arrived at the slip I took note of a group of lads who eyed us curiously, and one greeted John Benson curtly. Our new comrade replied in such a grudging tone that I made bold to ask who the lads were, and if he counted them as enemies. " He who spoke is Jacob Twining, son of the rankest Tory that can be found in all this colony," John Benson replied to my question. " The lad who stands next him is Samuel Hastings, whose father boasts of what he will do to us Whigs when the king's troops take possession of New York, be- 28 THE COLLISION 29 lieving that time is near at hand. The other three are of the same kidney, but I cannot call them by- name." " Why are they here ? " I asked like a simple, as if believing John could answer the question, for there was in my mind a fear that the lads had come bent on doing us a mischief, although it was not probable they had ever heard of Enoch or me before. " That I cannot say. Most like it is only by chance, and we will take good care to have no words with them, lest accidentally we let slip the purport of your visit." The young Tories were not minded, however, to let us get under way peacefully, for when I had swung the skiff around next the bulkhead, and Enoch was passing down the packages of food, he whom John Benson had spoken of as Jacob Twin- ing, asked curiously, as he lounged forward until it was possible for him to have a full view of our boat: " Are you going on a long voyage, John ? " " A cruise down the harbor," was the curt reply. " You must be counting on staying quite a spell, by the look of your luggage." To this John Benson made no reply, and Twining would have laid hold on one of the packages, prob- ably in order to know what it contained; but the secretary's son pushed him aside roughly, as he said sharply : " We are in haste to be off, and do not care for your interference." " So, you are bound on some secret errand, eh? " the lad cried menacingly. " I dare venture to say 30 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK it is something to do with your rebel Congress, else you would not be afraid to let honest lads know of the business ! " " When I meet with any honest lads who speak of our colonists as rebels, I may have a word to say that won't ring pleasing in the ears." And now it was certain that John Benson had lost control of his temper. For the moment I believed we were to have an encounter with these young Tories, and was on the point of clambering up on the slip in order to take a hand in case it might be necessary; but after a short time of hesitation Jacob Twining turned sharply on his heel, spoke in a whisper to his com- rades, and the five of them boarded a sloop-rigged cat-boat which was lying just astern of the skiff. From that moment until we were ready to leave the dock, I gave little heed to them. It was pos- sible to see out of the tail of my eye that they had pulled well toward the end of the slip, where, as it seemed, one of the party was overhauling the run- ning rigging. We stowed the generous supply of provisions where there would be the least danger of harm from water, and I stepped the mast while John Benson took station at the tiller, Enoch being in the bow ready to push off. The wind was light, but yet of sufficient force to send us along at a good pace once we were where it was possible to get its full strength, and I hoisted the sail, counting that it would not be necessary to use the oars even while leaving the slip. Then, seeing that I had made ready, Enoch shoved the skiff's bow along the bulkhead until we were come to the very end, when the wind, getting THE COLLISION 31 full sweep on us, swung the boat around rapidly. " Hard up with the tiller ! " I shouted, seeing that we were being carried directly on to the cat-boat, and John Benson did his best; but she never did answer quickly to the helm, and, besides, I felt posi- tive the young Tories were maneuvering to swing their craft down on us, therefore shouted at the same moment I sprang aft to aid John : " Look after yourselves ! Give way there, or we shall foul!" Instead of making any effort to let us pass, Jacob Twining deliberately shoved his tiller down, thus swinging the cat-boat's bow directly in our course. It was evident the young scoundrels counted on doing us a mischief, therefore I seized one of the oars to fend off, when we came together with a crash, and I was thrown headlong to the bottom of the boat. Instantly the Tories set up a shout that we were trying to do them harm, and without delay made an attack upon us. While scrambling to my feet I saw Enoch fend off a blow which was intended for his head, and John Benson, wrenching the tiller from the rudder-head, swung it with good aim for Jacob Twining's head. Then it was, just as I was raising myself to take part in the battle, that Sam Hastings brought an oar down with the intent to kill, I truly believe; but there was time for me to spring sideways in such a manner that the weapon, just grazing my head, came on to my shoulder, tumbling me over again. What might have happened had we been held there I f^ar to say. The Tories were bent on doing 32 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK US serious mischief, and, being five to three, must have got the better of us in a short time; but, for- tunately, our sail filled, and the skiff shot past the larger boat speedily, yet not in time to save John Benson from such a clip on the head as must have made him see stars. I verily believed the lad was killed, for he sank to his knees as does an ox when the butcher knocks him in the head, and, regardless of the skiff, which was forging ahead as if bent on wrecking herself upon the rocks, I caught the lad in my arms. " Take the helm, Enoch ! " I shouted. " Bring her about, if you can, for this poor fellow must be put ashore ! " " Is he dead ? " Enoch screamed in a tone of fear as he obeyed my command, and I replied as the tears filled my eyes : " It looks much that way, and sure it is he has such a grievous hurt that a surgeon is needed." Without looking at them, I knew that the fel- lows in the cat-boat, evidently frightened at their own work, were standing over toward the Jersey shore, and in a rage which shut out from my mind all else save thoughts of revenge, I shouted after them: " You murdering Tories shall pay dearly for this day's work, and I'll give all my time to settling the debt!" No reply was made to this threat, most likely because they were too deeply frightened for speech, and by the time my rage had subsided sufficiently for me to realize that action, not words, was needed at that moment, Enoch had brought the skiff around under shelter of the slip. THE COLLISION 33 He made fast, lowered the sail, and then we two tried to learn how seriously the lad had been in- jured ; but, not being skilled in such matters, it goes without saying that we could not determine the extent of his wound. We had the great happiness of seeing the poor fellow breathe after he had re- mained lifeless so long it seemed certain he must be dead, and this was to me such a relief that I cried for very joy; but kept my senses sufficiently to bathe his poor wounded head from which blood was flowing freely, with water I brought up over the side of the skiff in my hand. " What is to be done ? " Enoch asked after watch- ing my movements a moment, and it was as if the question cleared the cobwebs from my head. " We can't keep him here very long, for a surgeon must see him." " Can you find your way back to Hanover square?" I asked sharply, and he, understanding what was in my mind, replied promptly : " If I get twisted it won't be much of a task to inquire the way. Are you willing to stay here alone with him ? " " There is nothing else that can be done, for after what we have seen of the Tories in this city, I would not trust a stranger to come near him." I had not yet ceased speaking when Enoch was on the bulkhead, and without waiting to make reply he ran off at full speed, leaving me watching the rise and fall of John Benson's chest, fearing each instant lest I should see it grow still in death. Now and then some curious one would come to the edge of the bulkhead, look down on the helpless lad and me, and ask what had happened ; but I was 34 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK not in the mood to tell the story to strangers, and, besides, I did not dare lest I bring yet more enemies down upon us. There was no longer any desire in my mind to see the sights of New York. I had had my fill of the city, and only asked to get away from it as soon as possible after John Benson's father came to take charge of him. I even forgot that I had bound myself to join the Minute Boys, but looked forward to finding a refuge in our village of Jamaica. How long I sat there holding the head of the unconscious boy, and bathing his wound hardly knowing what I did, it is impossible to say. I was like one in a horrible dream wherein a second may seem like an hour; but roused myself very suddenly when Enoch shouted my name as he appeared on the bulkhead in the company of Master Benson. John's father did not waste time asking questions. He had come in a carriage, and curtly bade us help him put the wounded lad into it. When this had been done, and while he gathered up the reins, he said almost sharply: " You two lads are to come to my home imme- diately, and it is not well you should loiter on the streets." " We must set off for Jamaica at once, sir," I ventured to say in protest, and he shut me up in short order. " It is necessary you lads remain here in order to bear witness to what has been done. Those who committed this dastardly deed shall be punished, else justice is sleeping." Then he drove away, and we two lads stood look- ing at each other in something very like fear and THE COLLISION 35 bewilderment. Enoch was as eager as I to shake the dust of New York from his feet ; but how could we set sail in face of the positive order given by Master Benson? " There is nothing for it but to do as he has com- manded," Enoch said after a long pause. " We must moor the skiff safely, and then carry back to Hanover square all the stores we brought here." Although knowing he had spoken only the truth, I ventured to delay, as if that would be of any avail, by saying: " How can we let our parents know why we linger in this miserable city ? " " It won't be a case of lingering, so far as they are concerned, for some time," Enoch replied quickly. " They cannot reasonably suppose we have yet arrived, and mayhap Master Benson will finish with this business of running down the Tories, in time for us to arrive home as soon as we are ex- pected." It was Enoch who really took command just now, for I was so bewildered by what had happened, and there was in my heart so much of fear, after having seen what those who serve the king would do to us of the colonies with but little provocation, that I failed to have my wits about me. He set the example by making the skiff fast fore and aft, and then we tumbled out on the bulkhead the provisions which had been stowed so carefully, after which, with the packages in our arms, we set off for Hanover square. Not until then did I think to question my comrade as to whether he had found Master Benson's home without difficulty. " It was as if I ran without knowing where my feet were carrying me," he replied. " The only 36 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK thought was to get there quickly, and I must have traveled by the most direct course without really being conscious of it." We were not so fortunate when, heavily laden, we made our way through the streets, which by this time were seemingly thronged with people, black men as well as white, some of whom eyed us curiously, while others gave no more heed than if they were blind. Not until after we had gone astray three or four times, setting ourselves right by dint of questioning those people who were willing to listen to us, did we come to Hanover square, and so into the kitchen of Master Benson's home, for it seemed to me fitting that we should use the back entrance, rather than present ourselves at the main door. The servants whom we had seen while breakfast- ing, were running to and fro as if distracted, and no one gave so much heed to us as even to question the reason of our being there. Seated upon a settle in one corner of the room where we would not be in the road of any who might enter, Enoch and I waited with whatsoever of patience we could command, without seeing or hearing from any member of the family until noon had come, and then a black woman said to us, as she opened the door of the kitchen: " The master will speak with you." " How is John ? " I asked even while we were obeying the summons, and she told us, speaking her words oddly, as these black people do, that he was comfortable. I would have questioned her further; but it was only with difficulty we could understand what she said, and in one moment we were standing before THE COLLISION Z7 Master Benson, who set our fears concerning the lad at rest, by saying: " The wound is ugly, but not a dangerous one, and John will soon be on his feet again, unless peradventure he has an ill turn. Now you are to tell me the story of what happened. Try to give all the details, for this is a matter which shall be looked into closely by the officers of the law." Enoch glanced at me as if to say that I should be the spokesman, and, weighing carefully every word lest a wrong impression might be given, I told to the best of my ability all that occurred from the time we met the Tories at Whitehall slip, until they went toward the Jersey shore. Master Benson. turned the matter over in his mind while one might ^ave counted thirty, and then said abruptly : ,, " I will see to it that word be sent to Captain Skidmore explaining why it is necessary for you two lads to remain in New York, and live in this house. One of the servai;|,s will shqw you to a room, and I hope you maynot be delayed very long." " Meaning that we are to stay until those Tory lads have been taken into pustody, sir ? " I asked. " Yes, to the end that ybti may bear testimony as to the murderous attack." Then Master Benson summoned the black woman, telling her to show us lads to a chamber ; but I tar- ried long enough to ask whether we might be per- mitted to see John, whereupon he said that on the morrow, if so be he continued to mend, we might have speech with him, but not until then. The chamber to which Enoch and I were shown was much finer in its furnishings than any room in my father's house, and yet did it seem to me 38 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK almost like a prison, for, as I understood the matter, we had been the same as commanded to remain inside the dwelling until search for the Tories was come to a successful end. But Enoch was not of the same mind. Before we had been in the room thirty seconds, and I stood gazing at this or that unfamiliar article, he said half to himself: " I am not so curious to see this city of New York as I was in the morning; but since we must stay, why shut ourselves in here ? " " What else may we do ? " I asked. " Go out upon the street, to be sure." " But Master Benson expects that we will remain here." " Surely no good can come of our being cooped up like prisoners, and we will speedily learn whether we must stay here like rabbits in a trap, or no." He opened the door and went out before I could check him, returning a few moments later to say that we were at liberty to do whatsoever we would, so that we presented ourselves when the meals were served, and at a respectable hour in the evening. Foolish though it may seem, my relief of mind was great at thus learning we were not to be held captives, even though the prison was a gilded one, and, heedless of the fact that it was time the noon- day meal should be served, Enoch and I went out upon the street. There was no purpose in our going save to move about in the open air. The knowledge that John Benson was not dangerously wounded served to re- lieve our anxiety, as a matter of course; but yet, because of the unprovoked attack, since on account of it we understood that the Tories of New York THE COLLISION 39 felt strong enough in numbers to work their will, we were both so confused in mind that a sharp walk was needed to bring back our scattered senses. We went aimlessly out from the square into Dock street, at times finding it difficult to make our way among the throng of people, until we were come to the fish market, which, as every one knows, stands near to the head of the Albany dock, and Enoch proposed that instead of remaining near the water front we should go up into the Broad Way, starting from Bowling Green, and travelling even as far as the Common. It mattered little to me where we went, and I was on the point of continuing up Dock street with my comrade, thinking that we would best find our way about by first coming to the battery, when I saw on the opposite side of the way Jacob Twining and Samuel Hastings, those same two villains whom I doubted not had incited their followers to make the murderous attack upon us. The lads had not seen us, and my duty should have been to acquaint, without loss of time, Master Benson with the fact that those who had done so much mischief were returned to the city. Instead of so doing, however, I allowed anger to blind my judgment, and, thinking only of revenge, directed Enoch's attention to the two on the opposite side of the way. " Now we have the villains ! " I whispered when he recognized the fellows. " It is all very well for Master Benson to send the officers of the law against them for what they did to John ; but you and I have a score of our own to settle ; and it would seem as if this was the time." " What would you do ? " Enoch asked, and I un- 40 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK derstood from his tone that he was as eager as I to pay the debt we owed. " Let us creep up so far as we may, to take the scoundrelly curs by surprise. ^I agree to handle Jacob Twining, if you will look after the other." " That I will, and be right glad of the chance," Enoch said savagely, not waiting for me to lead the way; but pressing on in advance, so great was his thirst for revenge. At that moment I forgot everything save my de- sire to punish the villains who would have killed John Benson, and unfortunately it was a small mat- ter for us to effect our purpose. As I have said, there were many people on the street, and the young Tories evidently were not in fear of being brought up with a round turn for what had been done. They sauntered along like lads of leisure who would amuse themselves by seeing what may be going on around them, and it was no more than child's play for us to come upon them secretly, although it was not done as quickly as one might have supposed, for the fellows had turned down past the fish market as if on their way to the Albany dock, before we were near enough to make the attack. Enoch and I crouched, much like beasts who make ready to spring upon their prey, when we were within striking distance of the scoundrels, and I needed but to press my comrade's hand to make him understand that the moment for action had come. In a twinkling, and without giving heed to those around us, we leaped upon the backs of the scoun- drelly Tories, bringing them to earth at once, as a matter of course, and then I made all play with my IT WAS AS IF A TROOP OF MEN SUDDENLY FELL UPON US." THE COLLISION 41 fists, counting to get in as much of punishment as might be possible before any one could interfere. It was Jacob Twining on whose shoulders I clung, pummeling his face and neck whenever I could get in a fair blow, and instead of striving to release himself, or in any way showing the slightest tinge of courage, the cowardly fellow remained passive, but shrieking at the full strength of his lungs: "Murder! Help! Murder!" I gave no heed to what Enoch might be doing, for it was necessary that the Tory's cries be shut off at once if I would pummel him as he deserved, and had pressed my two hands around his throat as the quickest means of silencing him, when it was as if a troop of men suddenly fell upon us. It is difficult to say exactly what did happen dur- ing two or three minutes. I was only conscious of striking out wildly with fists and feet, bent on gain- ing freedom, or making him who held me down repent having taken a hand in the fray, until a loud cry of command rang out sharply, almost in my ear, and straightway I was dragged swiftly and vio- lently for what seemed to me a long distance. During this time it must not be supposed I was a willing captive. Never did I fight more desperately or more uselessly, and while putting forth every ounce of strength, I dimly understood that no less than four lads had me in tow. One held my left hand, and at the same time had a grip upon my coat collar; a second was striving to get a clutch on my right arm, and the other two were some- where in the rear, now kicking, now punching, and again lifting me bodily by the feet from the ground. While this frantic struggle was taking place I could see that we were going down on the dock. 42 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK and it was in my mind that they counted to drown me, for surely the Tories would not hesitate at such a course if they were bold enough to deliberately attempt to murder the son of the secretary of Con- gress. Despite all my efforts I was dragged, or pushed, or pulled, nearer and nearer the bulkhead until the four of them seized me by whatsoever portion of my garments, or of my limbs, they could come at, and raised me high in the air. Then I was swung outward, and fell, believing I should find myself in the water, but I struck upon what appeared to be a lot of twigs intermixed with sticks and straw, such as one finds thrown up by the sea. The shock caused by the fall served to paralyze me, as you might say, for an instant, and before I could turn about and scramble to my feet, two fellows leaped down directly upon me, causing such pain I believed my ribs were crushed in. Without being full aware of what next occurred, I felt that I was being dragged under that portion of the dock which extended on to the land. Here the light was so dim that I could not well make out the surroundings until the enemy had tied my hands and feet, after which I was thrown upon a litter of sea wrack, and an instant later Enoch, trussed up even as I was, came down upon me as if he had been pitched from some distance. Again I believed my bones must have been broken, for the lad was no light weight, and fell with ex- ceeding force. I gasped for breath, finding it pain- ful to fill my lungs with air, and while it was yet impossible for me to speak, Enoch whispered : " Where are we, Adam ? " " Under the dock, of course," I said as soon as THE COLLISION 43 I could gain control of my tongue, " and from this place we are like to see little of the city," I added grimly, for there was to me, now that the battle had ended in our discomfiture, something comical in the situation. We two lads had left Jamaica believing, simply because of having been entrusted with a paper ad- dressed to Master Benson, that we were of great importance in the world, and, listening to John's plan of forming a company of Minute Boys, were convinced that it would be possible for us to do much of good for the Cause. But yet within six or eight hours from the time of first setting foot in the city of New York, we had come near to being killed outright while in our skiff. Then must needs stick our blundering noses into yet further trouble by attempting to deal out justice to a crew of scoundrelly Tories, with the result that we were trussed up like chickens ready for the roasting, and thrown like a couple of dead kittens where per- chance the tide might rise and carry us to sea. " Are we like to be drowned out ? " Enoch asked, and I replied in a rage, as my short-lived sense of humor was overwhelmed by the realization of brutal treatment : " Not while it is possible for me to make an out- cry. Surely there are people passing to and fro over our heads, as can be told by the trampling of feet, and not all in this city of New York are Tories who would commit murder because of political opin- ions." " What are you tied with ? " "Of what avail would it be if you should know ? " I asked petulantly. " It is enough that I can move neither hand nor foot." 44 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Ay, and that I know full well ; but I am asking myself whether those fellows have prepared for the business of throwing people under the docks in this town? If so be we are made fast with ropes, then will it show that this same outrage has been. com- mitted before, and everything was in readiness for us when we made fools of ourselves by tackling a couple of Tories on the street, where we might have known they would have friends nearby." " So nearly as I can guess, my hands are bound with strips of stout cloth. If ropes were used then would I be suffering more of pain, because the fet- ters are drawn tightly. Does that give you any sat- isfaction? " " Yes, not a little," Enoch replied promptly. " I am thinking that they have left us here until some plan can be laid whereby we may be disposed of, and meantime, unless you and I are minded to take quietly such medicine as they wish to give, we should be able to get out of this place." " And that we can do by raising our voices." " Yes, and thereby bring down that same Tory crew upon us," Enoch whispered, whereat I under- stood full well how foolish I had shown myself. It was this comrade of mine who had the quicker wit, and I would be wise to let him manage the matter, if so be he had any plan for escape. " It is not in my mind that we shall let others know how easily we can be overcome," he went on as if we two were sitting comfortably in some secure place. " I confess to shame at having been worsted twice in one forenoon, when by keeping our eyes open as we should have done, John Benson would not be lying at home with a broken head, and we THE COLLISION 45 thrown in under this dock, like a couple of drowned kittens." " Those Tories shall be made to suffer for this ! " I cried, again forgetting in my foolish rage all save a desire for revenge, and Enoch replied with a laugh that had no little of mirth in it : " I am allowing, Adam Skidmore, that they won't suffer very bitterly until after you and I have suc- ceeded in freeing ourselves," CHAPTER III THE MINUTE BOYS It was Enoch Cebra who brought me out of my senseless rage by reminding me of the folly of making threats when I was powerless even to aid myself. Once having well fixed in mind the fact that it was necessary to hold my temper well in hand if further punishment was to be avoided, I set about devising some means of escape, by asking Enoch whether it might be possible for him to work his hands free? As for myself, I had already made the attempt, and found my bonds so securely tied that any effort, however slight, caused me great pain. " I am bound to give the Tories credit for know- ing how to truss a fellow up in such shape that he is of little use to himself or any one around him," Enoch replied grimly. " My hands are bound so tightly that I question if the blood be not stopped in the veins, and it seems of a verity that both arms were broken when I was flung down upon you like a bale of damaged goods." " Mine are as useless as if they were broken," I replied bitterly, " and I question whether the pain could be any greater if the bones had been shattered, yet it would seem as if the two of us should be able to do something toward effecting our release." Enoch was silent while one might have counted 46 THE MINUTE BOYS 47 ten, and then said, as he turned on his side toward me after considerable effort : " Roll over on your face, Adam. If our bonds are strips of cloth torn from the coats of the Tories, as I fancy, it is possible I might be able to cut them with my teeth, although the task will be neither a pleasant nor a short one." A great hope sprang up in my heart as the lad thus spoke, for until then it had seemed positive we must lie there helpless, unable to make any effort toward releasing ourselves, and as soon as might be, at the expense of more pain than one would nat- urally suppose, I succeeded in turning my body com- pletely over until I was like to be choked, because of the dirt which filled both nose and mouth. As a matter of course I could not see what Enoch was about; but understood from the noise of his movements that he was wriggling toward me, and a few moments later I felt his face upon my hands. Now if you ever tried to cut a piece of stout wool cloth with your teeth, you can have some faint idea of the task which Enoch had set himself. I failed to fully appreciate it at first; but did be- fore he had accomplished his purpose, because so much time was consumed. When he had been gnawing at the cloth five min- utes or more, and verily it seemed to me as if half an hour had passed, I asked in a low tone if he was making any progress ; but the lad did not reply. I could hear heavy breathing, caused by his nose being pressed against my wrists, and when, mayhap, five minutes more had passed, I asked irritably, striv- ing however to keep my temper within bounds : " Are you succeeding, lad? It seems to me if the 48 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK task could be done, you should have finished ere this?" Then it was he spoke, and in a tone which caused me to be ashamed of my petulance: "If you must needs be freed within a certain short time, Adam Skidmore, then I may as well give over chewing that Tory cloth, for it is no slight task to cut the fabric with my teeth, and mayhap I shall not succeed; but I am doing my best, and we cannot afford to spend time in conversation because no one may say when those miserable scoundrels will come back to work their will on us." Having thus spoken he fastened his teeth once more upon the bonds that fettered my wrists, and I lay quiet with as much of patience as could be sum- moned, striving meanwhile to save myself from be- ing choked by the dirt and sand against which my face was pressed. I will not undertake to say how long Enoch chewed and tore at the cloth ; but certain it is a full hour must have elapsed before I could feel the slightest lessening of the tension, and then the dear lad stopped long enough to say : " I have started, Adam, and now may you count that in ten minutes or more, by tearing each thread in turn, I shall have done ; but verily I believe that never will I rid my mouth of the taste which comes from Tory cloth." Lest I spend too many words in the telling of what should be a brief story, let me say that the moment finally came when my hands were freed; but even then they were of little service. My arms had be- come so cramped that I could not, had my life de- pended upon it, have raised a finger to my face, and not until I had rolled over and over, changing THE MINUTE BOYS 49 position as often and as best I could, did the blood begin to flow once more in the veins of my hands. After that, to get into condition was reasonably rapid, for I could chafe my aching limbs after a fashion, and once it was possible to move my fingers, I set about releasing Enoch. Then, knowing my own suffering, I rubbed his arms again and again, until he also was able to use them as nature intended, and when this was effected, the matter of unloosing our feet was soon finished. We were free at last — free to crawl out from under the dock, and make our way once more through the streets ; but because of our inexperience in this city of New York, it was as if both of us were suddenly turned cowards. Knowing that the young Tories dared to carry us off prisoners in the open day, when there must have been hundreds of people around, I had come to believe their power was unlimited, and that every man whom we met would serve the king rather than the colonies. Therefore did it seem to me that once we showed our faces among the people we would be hunted down like animals, and I drew back yet further under the dock, saying to Enoch that we should form some plan of action before venturing out, where- upon he said stoutly, showing himself to be by far the better lad: " The plan is to get into Master Benson's house as quickly as may be, remembering that two lads from Jamaica should not set about taking revenge in the streets of New York. We will walk boldly out, keeping our eyes well open lest some one sneaks upon us from behind, and doing no more fighting than may be necessary to force our way in the direc- tion we desire to go." so THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Now you must understand J:hat Enoch and I had been conversing almost in whispers, fearing lest some of the young Tories might be on the timbers above, and thus come to know we had freed our- selves, therefore because of such caution one might have approached very closely before hearing the sound of our voices. It was when Enoch had announced what should be done by us in order to gain Master Benson's house, that we heard the sound of some one leaping down upon the litter at the foot of the bulkhead, and on the instant my comrade pulled me back until we were both lying stretched out at full length, as he whispered: " Here may be a chance for us to pay off some portion of the debt we have contracted this day. But one person has come over the bulkhead thus far, and if there be no more we will lie here as if bound hand and foot, until the visitor, if so be he is one of those Tories, comes within striking dis- tance." It was a brave scheme, and one which appealed to me strongly, save that I understood we might again be made prisoners if the enemy came in any force. It was possible we had made a mistake in think- ing that a single person only had leaped over the bulkhead, in which case we would find ourselves in hot water, and give evidence of more foolishness than when we made the attack on the street. However, in less than a minute I came to under- stand, through the sense of sight, that we need have little fear of being again fettered. Dim though the light was under the dock, I could see Jacob Twining coming cautiously between the timbers, looking here and there expectantly, and my THE MINUTE BOYS 5 1 heart beat so loudly he might have heard it, as I said to myself that we would leave our mark on at least one of the crew who had ill-treated us, before we sought the refuge of Master Benson's home. It was not many seconds before the Tory cur saw us, lying well up under the dock, apparently as he had left us, and then he came forward boldly and quickly until standing close by my side, when he looked down contemptuously upon us. " So you are the Whigs who reckon on attacking honest lads in the streets of the city, are you ? " he cried, and Enoch asked: " How do you know we are Whigs ? " It fretted me because he would parley with such as this Tory ; but in a few moments I came to under- stand that it was his purpose to play with the lad, as a cat does with a mouse, before we should begin to serve him out as he deserved. " When you are seen in the company of John Benson, it is the same as if you wore upon your back a placard on which was the word ' Whig '," he replied. " And do you Tories allow to carry matters in this city with as high a hand as you please ? " Enoch asked. " It strikes me you have already had a sample of what we can do — " " Yes, and it is equally true that you will be made to suffer for the murderous assault on John Ben- son," I cried in a fury. " His father has already put the officers of the law on your track." " I'll let you know when they have caught us. But by that time I am thinking it won't be of great interest. After the sun has set we intend to give you a more secure hiding place, and by the time we 52 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK have finished the lesson which you need to learn, John Benson's affairs will fail to cause any anxiety." I was burning to spring our surprise upon him; but Enoch prodded me with his elbow in token that I hold my peace until he had given the Tory some good advice, such as would not be to his liking, and this he did in words that should have caused the fellow shame, had he been capable of feeling any. More than once did Jacob Twining attempt to stop my comrade's flow of words with threats of bodily injury if he did not hold his peace ; but Enoch continued to paint portraits of those who would take sides with the king who had oppressed them, and turn their backs upon the colony they called home. I was getting tired of so many words, and at the same time feared lest the Tory's comrades should suddenly appear, putting an end to all our plans, when Jacob Twining lost control of his temper. Leaping upon Enoch, whom he supposed to be securely bound, he began pummeling him brutally. Then it was we sprang our surprise, and I flat- tered myself he was never more astonished than when I, leaping nimbly to my feet, caught him by the throat from behind, at the same time that Enoch dealt half a dozen blows in rapid succession full upon the scoundrel's face. I had seized him by the throat in order that he might not cry for help, as I knew the cowardly cur would do, and it was possible to feel the muscles in his neck swell as he tried to shriek for aid; but after such a choking as it was in my power to administer, he was unable to do more than give vent to the faintest of groans. THE MINUTE BOYS 52 Once we had him on his back, with the breath half squeezed from his body, I could see from whence the bonds which had been upon our feet and legs came, for the skirts of his coat were nearly torn off, and we completed the wreck of the gar- ment by taking as much more from it as we thought necessary to hold him firmly. First, however, Enoch deftly made a gag from the bonds he had bitten apart, wrapping the cloth around a short length of stick, and this we thrust between his jaws in such manner as must have been most uncomfortable. Then, without further delay, for it stood to reason we might be interrupted at any moment, his hands and feet were tied as securely as ours had been, and we propped him up against a log for the bet- ter satisfaction of seeing the ridiculous figure he cut. " It may be that lads from Jamaica, who claim to be Whigs, have no right to come into New York City," Enoch said to him in a low tone. " But there is just a chance, as perhaps you have begun to sus- pect, that we can venture even on forbidden ground, and yet not come off second best. As for what you and your fellows did to John Benson, his father will settle, and I doubt not but that if there be such a thing as law in this colony, you will feel the weight of it. As for Adam Skidmore, and myself, we settle our own quarrels, and this is but a beginning. It will be well if your Tory friends understand that, although we are strangers in the town, it is possible for us to hold our own now and then. Try to do us further harm, and if perad venture two Jamaica boys are not enough to settle the score, we will call upon others to help us, when being 54 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK trussed up in this fashion is like to be pleasurable as compared with what we will deal out." Then Enoch passed out at that side of the dock opposite where Jacob Twining had entered, and I followed close at his heels. We were sorry-looking lads to walk through the streets of New York, after having been rolled around in the dirt of the shore; but there is little need to say that no fault could be found as to our caution, for more than half the way to Hanover square did we walk in the middle of the street, lest some Tory should come upon us unawares. Many of the lads whom we passed hooted at us for ragamuffins. Some called us Tories, and others shouted "Whigs," as if it was a term of derision; but we gave no heed to any, being bent only on gaining the shelter of Master Benson's home, which we did finally, arriving there shortly after sunset. We would have entered through the kitchen, in the hope of gaining our sleeping room unobserved; but just as we came in through the gateway, Master Benson opened the main door. Involuntarily we halted, and I understood from the expression on his face that he failed of recogniz- ing us, so disreputable was our appearance, there- fore I made haste to say: " We are the lads from Jamaica, Master Ben- son, whom you so kindly gave lodgings in your house." " Where have you been, and what is the reason for this disorder in your apparel ? " the good man asked in a tone of bewilderment. " We have met Jacob Twining and some of his friends," Enoch replied, with a laugh. THE MINUTE BOYS , SS " Did you point them out to the officers of the law?" " There was hardly time for that, sir," I replied. " As you can see, we were worsted, and have lain under Whitehall slip since noon, tied hand and foot." " And then they set you free ? " " We attended to that business ourselves, sir, and left in our stead Jacob Twining, who will have an uncomfortable time of it, else did we make a mis- take in the tying of him." Master Benson was not clear in his mind as to what had happened, even after so much had been said, and Enoch took it upon himself to tell the story in detail, whereupon the gentleman said, as he started toward the street: " If you have left the young Tory so completely bound, it may be the officers can lay their hands upon him before his friends come to his relief." " It is a good place to set a trap, sir, if you want to catch the entire brood," Enoch replied, laugh- ingly. " There is no question but that those who made the attack upon your son will be there at some time this evening, thinking to have sport with Adam and me. Then the whole boiling of them could be gathered in." " You are right, my lad, and I will attend to it. Now go into the kitchen and get something to eat, after which you may visit John in his room." " Is he able to see us, sir ? " I asked in surprise, and the good man replied in a tone which told how great was his relief of mind: " I am happy at being able to say that he has recovered rapidly, and there is no reason why you S6 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK should not hold converse with him ; but, as a matter of course, he will not be allowed to leave his bed until to-morrow." Then Master Benson hastened away to set his trap for the Tories, and we two boys, going into the kitchen, were served with such a feast as I had never before enjoyed. " If we are to be fed in this manner," Enoch said to me in a whisper, after we had eaten in silence ten minutes or more, " I shall hope that we may be forced to stay many days. Think you all the people in New York have food like this on their tables?" " Master Benson is a man of means, and evi- dently stands good friend to his stomach. I allow there are but few homes in this city where such a profusion of eatables could be found." When the very toothsome meal had come to an end, we asked one of the servants to show us to John's chamber, and there we found the poor fellow propped up in bed, his head covered with so many bandages that little more than his nose and mouth could be seen. " So you have come at last," he said impatiently. " Father gave permission a full two hours ago for this visit, and the servants could not find you in the house." " We have been under Whitehall slip, lying down," Enoch said laughingly, and then, fearing lest we might tease the wounded lad too much, I told him the story of what we attempted to do to the Tories, and the result, whereupon he said, speaking as if weighing well the words : " Father is of the belief that the Tories in this city have received such information as causes them THE MINUTE BOYS ^J to put on a bolder face than usual. Never before since the word came to us from Lexington, have they dared show themselves so openly. The Com- mittee of Safety has kept them well in check." " And what may that be? " Enoch asked. " An association formed by one hundred of the most prominent Whigs in New York, organized in April, and a military company was formed at about the same time by Master Samuel Broome. Have you not heard that the Whigs took six hundred stand of arms from the city arsenal, and distributed them among the citizens ? " " That last news came to us at Jamaica," I re- plied, " and we also knew that much had been done for the Cause here; but exactly what I could not have said until now." " It was when the Whigs in this town formed a general association, and sent out their pledge to be signed, that I first thought of raising a company of Minute Boys. Copies of that pledge must have been sent to you in Jamaica." " Ay, so we heard ; but being only lads, our elders did not consider it necessary we should know what was contained therein." " You will find a copy of it on yonder shelf, and perhaps this would be a good time for you two lads to read it," John Benson said, as he pointed to the opposite side of the room. I took it upon myself to get the document, and, being pressed by Enoch, read aloud that which fol- lows, being able to write it down even at this late day from memory. " Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a rigorous prosecu- S8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK tion of the measures necessary for its safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion, which attend the dissolution of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, inhabitants of New York, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor, and love to our country, to adopt, and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever measures may be recom- mended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary Acts of the Brit- ish Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on cons);itutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our General Committee respecting the purpose afore- said, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and property." It was as if the reading of these stirring lines excited John to a wonderful degree, even though he was already familiar with them, and when I had come to the end he said stoutly, much as if believing we might attempt to oppose him : " We must have a meeting of our Minute Boys this very evening, and as soon as I am allowed to go out of the house we will enlist as many as you can name in Jamaica and the other towns roundabout, lest we fail to find the desired number in New York." " How many, think you, we ought to have in the THE MINUTE BOYS 59 company ? " I asked, not believing he would go so far as to summon his friends to the house im- mediately. " Not less than fifty, and we should be able to find that number who are willing to serve the colony now when it is possible for lads to do some portion of the work. Will you go into the kitchen, Adam Skidmore, and find there a black boy who answers to the name of ' Tom ' ? " I did as the invalid requested, having no difficulty in coming upon the negro, who was sitting on a stool with his back against the oven door, snoring most vigorously. On learning that his services were required by John, he went up stairs with such marvellous rapid- ity that I, following close behind, did not arrive until he had received his instructions and was leav- ing the room. Then we three spoke of what Jacob Twining and his crew had done; made plans for their discom- fiture, if it so happened that the officers of the law were not able to lay them by the heels, and talked ourselves into such a violent mood as to have no doubt of our ability to pay off the score which the Tory curs had rolled up. Enoch, now that his hunger was satisfied and his courage strengthened by all that had been said, burned to go back to Whitehall slip in order to see what might be done there, and mayhap I would have followed him, but for John Benson's entreaties that we remain to meet the members of the Minute Boys whom Tom had summoned. They came before we had time to grow impatient, and I was well pleased to call them comrades, for all appeared to be lads of mettle. 6o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK There was Richard Mayo, he whose father, so John Benson told us, was one of the members of the Committee of Safety, and James Ffolett, son of as staunch a Whig as might be found within the colony. I remember but one other name of those six, and that was Joseph Harker, who came from a family of Tories, but, so Richard Mayo whispered, was most devoted to the Cause. It struck me at the time that there was somewhat of danger in taking into our company one who came into close association with the enemies of the colonies; but Richard de- clared the lad could be trusted to the last degree, and strengthened his words by adding that both he and John Benson would answer for his patriotism. It was not for me who had but just been allowed to join these Minute Boys of New York City, to question why this one or the other was admitted to the ranks, yet at the same time I had a strange foreboding that through this same Joseph Harker would come to us somewhat of trouble, and yet had one questioned me I could not have said why such an idea came into my mind. However, these lads of New York received us from Jamaica as if we were old friends, and indeed at such a time as that one's political opinions were a passport to friendship with but little delay, provid- ing the men were of the same thought, and ere we eight lads had been in company five minutes a stranger might have supposed that we were com- rades of long standing. As a matter of course, Enoch and I were called upon to tell not only the story of our misadventure during the afternoon, but also to give all the details of that cowardly attack while we were in the skiff. THE MINUTE BOYS 6l and when this had been done our comrades of New York were quite as eager to serve Jacob Twining and his crew according to their deserts, without in- voking the aid of the law, as were Enoch and I. Richard Mayo even went so far as to propose that we set forth at once in search of them, and in case of coming upon the scoundrels to deal out justice regardless of watchmen or citizens. So excited were we all at the time, and perhaps you may also say, hot-headed, that but for the fact of John's being forced to remain in bed, I believe of a verity we should have gone forth on such a wild mission as was proposed, for it seemed to us just at that time as if we must make our association known by some act which would strike terror to the Tories; but the chances are that we would speedily have found ourselves in the clutches of the officers of the law, for one might not take part in a brawl on the public streets without coming to grief. It was while we were discussing the question that Master Benson came in upon us, looking not overly well pleased because his son had so many visitors. In fact, he went so far as to say it was unwise for John to excite himself; but the lad declared that he could not remain quietly in bed unless it was possible for him to learn what was going on outside, and I believe his father came to be of the same opinion, for, after a few words of caution, he an- nounced in a tone which told of grievous disappoint- ment, that Jacob Twining's friends had released him before the officers could be sent to the slip. " Then he got but a small portion of the punish- ment he deserved," John Benson cried angrily. " He should have been forced to stay there bound and gagged until morning at the very shortest." 62 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Do not fear, my son, but that he will be pun- ished as he deserves, for it is not possible the lad can keep clear of the officers of the law, who are looking for him and his companions with warrants for their arrest." " It may be they do not care to take him in cus- tody, for his father has considerable influence in this city, sir, even though he be a Tory. I wish now that you lads had gone out as proposed." " What do you mean by that, my son? " Master Benson asked quickly, and John explained to his father what we had been eager to do, whereupon the gentleman said sternly : " You lads must remember that by banding your- selves together as Minute Boys, you come under the provisions of the Pledge to follow ' the advice of our General Committee respecting the purposes afore- said, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and property.' To be of service to the Cause you must remain under the control of those who have charge of affairs, and cease any attempt at taking the law into your own hands." I do not understand even now why it was that at this moment Enoch should have had fears regard- ing the safety of the skiff ; but so it was, and there had come into his mind such a fear the Tories would strike another blow at us by wrecking and carrying away our boat, that he interrupted Master Benson in a most rude fashion, by crying : " Who knows whether they haven't made way with the skiff? We left her at the dock, and they knew she belonged to us ! " " At what dock? " Richard Mayo asked. " Whitehall slip." THE MINUTE BOYS 63 " And it is nearabout there that Jacob and his friends rendezvous," the lad cried, whereupon Mas- ter Benson, forgetting he had begun to read us lads a lesson, said quickly : " It may be well for you to bring your boat down alongside Hunter's Key. You will find water enough there to float her, and she will then be so near this house that you can much the same as keep an eye upon her." I sprang to my feet at once, for the fact that Master Benson himself appeared to have much con- cern regarding the safety of the craft, alarmed me. Without her we might not be able to get back to Jamaica, save at the cost of considerable danger, and I would have run out into the street alone, but that the good man stopped me by saying : ".Remember, Adam Skidmore, that you are to do no more than bring your boat down to Hunter's Key. See to it you are not enticed into any brawl, no matter how great the provocation. Perhaps it would be well if some of these lads accompanied you." " We will all go," Richard Mayo cried, and straightway our small company of Minute Boys were following at my heels as I ran up Dock street. CHAPTER IV; A PITCHED BATTLE There was in my mind a dim sense of the warn- ing which Master Benson had given regarding my behavior toward the enemy, if so be we came upon any of the young Tories, and yet it was not so well defined as he would have had it. The idea, which had been suddenly suggested, that Jacob Twining and his crew might possibly do some damage to the skiff, had at the same time excited and alarmed me to such an extent that I gave little heed to anything save the possibility that we might be deprived of means of transportation by water to Jamaica, and when I came out of the house had any of the enemy appeared before me, I should have forgotten all that passed during the day, even as I would have left unheeded Master Benson's warn- ing. As it chanced, however, the direction of affairs was taken out of my hands entirely by Richard Mayo, who at once assumed the leadership of our party by right, as I believed, because he appeared to be the eldest among us. He soon outstripped me in the race down Dock street, as did all other of the New York boys, and some time before we were come to Whitehall slip I found myself running by the side of Enoch, who said, as we raced along, speaking with difficulty be cause of his heavy breathing: 64 A PITCHED BATTLE 6$ " I am of the mind, Adam Skidmore, that we need not make such great haste, for if those Tories counted on doing a mischief to the skiff, there has been ample time in which to accomplish it." "Then you think she is already wrecked?" I cried, my anger fanned into a blaze by his sugges- tion. " More like we shall fail to find her, for it would be easier to carry the boat away than do damage to the timbers." " There is no fear she can have been taken from the city in such a short time, and I promiste you, Enoch Cebra, that if she is on the waterfront of this town I will find her before returning again to Mas- ter Benson's." " In which case you may be absent a long while," my comrade replied grimly, and then we ceased speaking, for Richard Mayo had set the pace so hot that we were hard pressed to follow closely. As nearly I could guess, it was past ten o'clock in the evening, and the streets were well-nigh de- serted, luckily for us, else would we have found it difficult to travel so swiftly without running afoul of those who might have taken it into their heads to discipline us for unseemly behavior. My breath was nearly spent when we were come to the head of the dock, and I gave heed to little else save the path before me, lest I might stumble upon some obstacle, when near at hand came an exclamation of anger, and then a hoarse shout, while at the same time Enoch cried as best he might, while panting so heavily : " We have come in time to save the skiff ; but I am thinking Master Benson's warning will be un- heeded." 66 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK It was as if he had no more than spoken when we found ourselves amid a throng of lads, each of whom, as it seemed to me, was striking out wildly, intent only on inflicting some injury upon another, and straightway was I engaged in as desperate a brawl as it was ever my ill fortune to run across. A strange lad had grappled Enoch, and the two Went to the ground fighting like cats, while I found myself opposite a boy a good half -head taller and many pounds heavier than myself, who was striving earnestly to plant a blow in my face. So occupied was I with defending myself, for the lad was evidently my superior in the game of fisti- cuffs, that I could give no particular heed to what was going on around me ; but there was in my mind a fairly clear idea that we had come upon the young Tories just at a time when they were about to work some mischief to the skiff, and Richard Mayo had opened the battle, or been suddenly set upon with such fury that he could do no less than engage in a conflict despite the urgent command of Master Ben- son. Although I was little acquainted with city life, having lived in the country where lads might at such an hour in the night pummel each other into a jelly without fear of interruption, I understood fairly well that even though we overcame these enemies, there was much danger we might be seized upon by the watch, in which case speedy and most disagreeable punishment would be like to follow. However, when one is standing in front of an- other whose sole aim is to pound him brutally, but little heed can be given to what may come later, be- cause of the necessity for a vigorous defense, and I swung my fists more desperately than ever before 'A PITCHED BATTLE 6j in order to save myself from what was in fact a murderous attack. The din was almost deafening, and the cries of " Whig " and " Tory " rose on the night air in such volume, that they must have been heard even by those on duty at the battery. My opponent had succeeded in landing a couple of heavy blows, one squarely on my nose, causing the blood to flow in a stream, and another near about my left eye, with the result that I was sadly put to it to see clearly. How long I stood knee to knee with the fellow, holding my ground fairly well despite the advan- tages in his favor, I cannot say; but it seemed as my strength failed me, and my breath came in short, quick gasps, that I had been struggling half the night, when suddenly, and from no effort on my part, the fellow who was bent on working me an injury, went down as if he had been shot. I stood swaying to and fro an instant, for my knees were bending beneath me owing to exhaus- tion, not understanding what had happened, and then it was I saw that Enoch, who must have gained the victory over his opponent, was astride my an- tagonist, pummeling him viciously as he cried out to me, much as if this desperate fighting pleased him greatly : " Here is a chance to settle your score, Adam ; but have a care as to those around us ! " There seemed to me no reason why I should take any part in the punishment which my comrade was administering, for it was clear that my particular Tory was much the same as out of the battle, and I looked around to see whether any of our Minute Boys were in need of aid. 68 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK The fight was well-nigh over, and the Tory curs bent on beating a retreat. Three of the enemy lay upon the ground, two uncared for, and the other be- ing rapidly reduced to subjection by Enoch's fists. Some distance further on, and just at the end of the dock, I could see a lad breaking away from another, which last I believed was Richard Mayo, and before I had well fixed the scene in my mind some one shouted : " Follow on, you Minute Boys, or the Tories are like to give us the slip ! " Without understanding what was required, I dashed forward in the direction of the lad whom I believed to be Richard Mayo, and, in company with four others, was soon in hot pursuit of the small knot of fugitives. " They are taking to their boats ! Head 'em off ! " some one shouted, and then those who were fleeing seemingly dropped over the side of the slip, as if plunging into the water. Although it was night, I could see a cat-boat anchored some thirty paces from the bulkhead, and never thinking that my skiff lay directly alongside, I believed they counted on gaining the larger craft, which was to my mind the one in which they had set off earlier in the day when the attack was made upon John Benson. Down the dock we raced at full speed, leaving behind us three fellows who were lying upon the ground as if they had had enough of fighting, and I knew that Enoch had polished my late adversary off in good style. " I am allowing that the Minute Boys of New York are considerably more than a match for the Tories," the lad said exultantly, as he came up with A PITCHED BATTLE 69 me. " This may be what Master Benson would call a brawl ; but there will be a deal of comfort in know- ing that it turned our way in good shape, when we come to stand a tongue lashing from John's father." Then it was that our triumph was turned to de- feat, as we saw, almost directly beneath our feet, five fellows pushing off hurriedly in the skiff, and a cry of anger and dismay burst from my lips as I realized that at the very moment when they were beaten, the enemy had despoiled us. " They have stolen the skiff ! " I cried in a rage, and Enoch shouted at the full strength of his lungs : " Come back, you Tories ! Come back with that boat, or we will make you sorry until the last day you live ! " " Come after us, if it so please you ! " one of the scoundrels shouted tauntingly. " Come after us, and we shall see who will be the sorriest ! " " It may be you Whigs can swim as well as you boast, and here is a chance to show your skill," an- other cried, while I ran to and fro on the bulkhead, searching in vain with my eyes for a boat in which we might give pursuit. Once more it was Enoch who showed himself to be quick of wit, for while I tramped here and there, looking down upon the water, as if believing a craft of some kind would suddenly appear above the sur- face, the lad leaped over, clad as he was, and struck out with vigorous strokes for the cat-boat, which was anchored, as I have said, a short distance away. " Good for you, Jamaica ! " Richard Mayo shout- ed. " You are a lad after my own heart, and now we will show the Tory curs whether we can come at them or not ! " Now it was I understood my comrade's purpose. 70 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK He would get under way in the cat-boat, exchanging our craft for theirs, and, with the wind holding as it was, surely we should be able to overtake them speedily in the larger boat. Not until this moment did any fear of the watch come into my mind, but now as Enoch clambered aboard the cat-boat and began raising the anchor with feverish haste, I trembled in fear lest the guardians of the peace, having heard the outcries made while we fought, should arrive to take us in custody before we could embark. Why it was we got away without being molested, I cannot say, except that just at that time, when political feeling ran so high, there was much of brawling, as I have heard said later, and many were the discussions that ended in blows. As I afterward came to understand to my sorrow, there were more Tories than Whigs in New York City then, and those who, fearing to raise a hand in defense of the colony, were half-heartedly serving the King, made up the greater number of the dele- gates to the Provincial Congress. More than one of the watchmen, who should have done their duty impartially, would have stood idly by and witnessed a brawl in which the Tories were getting the upper hands, and, as I look at the matter now, it is in my mind something of this kind may have been the case. Meaning that he whose duty it was to preserve the peace nearabout that section of the city, knowing Jacob Twining and his friends were gathering in considerable force at the head of Whitehall slip, might have intentionally walked away from the scene of possible trouble. However, it is of no great consequence why we were unmolested ; but sufficient if I say that Enoch A PITCHED BATTLE 71 swung the cat-boat in toward the bulkhead until all of us Minute Boys, numbering seven, some of them considerably the worse for Tory blows, leaped on board. In a twinkling the mainsail was run up, and as many oars as could be come at were pushed out to work the craft from the slip to where she might feel the full weight of the evening wind. Short though the time was, our enemies had gained a long distance toward the Jersey shore, and my skiff looked no more than a black line upon the water when, swinging around that the southerly breeze might fill the sail, we set off in pursuit. Those which should be my first thoughts always come hindermost, as it seems to me, and not until now, after we had committed the deed, did I realize what in the excitement had been done. Until this moment the Tory lads had given all the offense, and were in danger, should they be caught, of coming into disagreeable contact with the law; but now had we ranged ourselves alongside them, so far as evil doing was concerned. This seizure of the cat-boat, even though it had been done to pre- vent crime on their part, was neither more nor less than stealing, and should one or the other of them find an opportunity to lodge a complaint against us, then might we find ourselves justly imprisoned. In other words, we, who counted ourselves as Minute Boys, pledged to serve the colony to the best of our ability, were become, as one might say by straining a point, criminals, and even while burn- ing with the desire to overtake those miscreants who had cowardly fled, leaving their beaten com- rades behind them, did I bewail my fate in having been mixed up in such a brawl. •J2 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK It seemed then, and does to this day, as if it was a most unseemly act, even though there had been none of lawlessness in it, for lads who were bound to right the wrongs of the colonies, to set out on such a road as we were come. I dare venture to say nothing of this kind troubled Richard Mayo, for he stood at the helm triumphant- ly, believing that we would, having a larger spread of sail, soon overtake our enemies, when could be dealt out that punishment which was deserved be- cause of their attack upon John Benson. So happy was he at thus seeming to have the upper hands of the Tories that he could not hold his peace; but must needs stand there telling what should be done when once we were come alongside the skiff, and how it would be possible for us to strike such dread into the hearts of other Tory lads, that we Whigs might be able to venture abroad without fear of having our heads broken. Nor did I see any signs of misgiving among the other New York boys, and yet they were lads of good breeding, whose fathers were gentlemen, and, save in the case of Joseph Harker, nearly all con- cerned with the government of the colony. Yet did they apparently look upon this theft of the cat-boat as a righteous act, and perhaps they were correct, for already were we of the colonies much the same as at war against the King, and at such times, as I have heard it said, might makes right. I soothed myself with the belief that because we had declared ourselves in arms, this seizure of the cat-boat would not be looked upon by those who favored the Cause as other than just, in view of all the circumstances, although it was impossible to put A PITCHED BATTLE 73 from my mind the belief, which amounted almost to a certainty, that Master Benson would, with good reason, bear down heavily upon us because of what had been done since leaving his house. It must not be supposed I stood like a simple, dwelling upon these things, while all around me my comrades were literally quivering with the excite- ment of the chase, else would it seem that I was pluming myself upon being more honest than my fellows ; but these thoughts came into my mind now and then like flashes of lightning, even while I over- hung the rail watching that black spot on the waters which I knew to be my skiff, and burning with the desire to overtake her, even though we were accom- plishing our purpose by unlawful means. " What is to be done when we come alongside ? " Enoch Cebra asked of me; but in a tone sufficiently loud for others to hear, and Richard Mayo, standing there like a hero, as it seemed to me, his shirt, which had been torn from his throat by one of the Tories, exposing his body nearly to the waist, hatless, and with his hair streaming in the wind, replied em- phatically : " We will take them back as prisoners, that they may be delivered to the officers of the law on the charge of having attempted to murder John Ben- son!" " But first we will give them a taste of Whig fists," James Ffolett cried with a laugh. " Before we hand them over to any officer, they shall pay to us Minute Boys the price of having half-killed John Benson, and ill-treated the Jamaica lads." We were counting our chickens before they were hatched, for, watching sharply the skiff, I under- 74 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK stood that instead of overhauling her, she was creep- ing away from us, and I said to Richard, with a laugh that had in it little of mirth : " It would perhaps be well that you first caught yonder Tories before you pronounced sentence against them." " And that we shall do, my Jamaica friend," the lad cried confidently. " This boat should be able to sail entirely around that craft of yours." " She ought because of her size, that I grant you," I replied, now feeling a pride in the qualities of my own skilif ; " but thus far we are losing ground, and yonder boat is a swift sailer, as both Enoch and I know full well, besides which, they have oars out." "If that's giving them any advantage, we will soon shut it off. Out with the sweeps, lads, and pull for all you're worth ! " I know not if Richard Mayo had been chosen captain of the New York Minute Boys; but surely on this night he was taking command, and obeying quickly, as if recognizing his right to direct our movements, we swung the heavy oars outboard, tug- ging at them like galley slaves who labor because of the fetters which bind them to their places. Now it was no longer possible for me to watch the chase ; but our captain announced from time to time, as if to hearten us, that we were surely gain- ing, and that it needed but for us to put forth every ounce of strength in order to bring the pursuit to a successful end. " Now we have them, lads ! " he would shout from time to time. " I can almost see their oars even in the darkness. Surely we are creeping up, if you but bend your backs to those sweeps. Let him who tires take station at the helm, for I would A PITCHED BATTLE 75 do my share of the work in overhauling those curs who need their lesson this night ! " By such words as these did he encourage us, until we strained and pulled while the perspiration ran down our faces in tiny streams, and yet, so far as I could make out, when glancing now and then over my shoulder at the chase, we were no nearer than at the moment of leaving Whitehall slip. The Tories were making for the Jersey shore, most likely holding that course because the wind favored it, and once Enoch whispered to me, while the captain was doing his best to incite us to yet greater exertion : " We are like to have a cruise on shore as well as by water, if we count on taking those fellows, for they will come to land while we are yet a long dis- tance away. The skiff is a racer, and this cat-boat no more than a dull drogher." " Ay, lad," I muttered ; " but it is not for us to speak the word lest these New York lads think we are faint-hearted. The Tories cannot be hidden on shore long before we shall come up to where they landed." Then it was that I gave up all hope of capturing those who had done us so much of wrong, and, while I mourned that such should be the case, yet was I secretly pleased because it seemed to me as if we were going far beyond our rights in thus taking the law into our own hands. I would have been well pleased to give over all thoughts of revenge, if we could put the cat-boat back where we took her from, and find ourselves safe in the chamber at Master Benson's home. Whether Richard Mayo believed, after we had been under way a full hour and were nearing the 76 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Jersey shore, that the chase would be successful, I cannot say; hvA certain it is he continued urging us who were toiling at the oars, claiming we were gaining in the race, although it seemed to me that any lad with half an eye must have seen that, if there was any change in the position, we were losing ground. Another fifteen minutes passed, and I was well- nigh spent, for in the hope of regaining possession of my craft I had labored as hard as if believing we were within our rights while thus attempting to take the law into our own hands. The captain must have noted that I was pulling a feeble stroke on the heavy sweep, for he said sharply, in a tone of com- mand: " Take you my place at the helm, lad. I doubt not but that you are a more skillful helmsman, and certain it is your strength is gone." Because the others obeyed this boy who was act- ing the part of captain, I did the same, and what a blessed relief it was to cease the strain on one's arms, to say nothing of the fact that now was it possible for me to watch the chase ! She was rapidly approaching the Jersey shore, and, as nearly as I could make out in the gloom, had come well up under it, now looking hardly larger than my finger. Even as I gazed she passed from view within the darker shadow of the land, where- upon, believing it would be useless to continue our exertions, I said to the captain : " They are hidden from sight, now, and before we can come up near enough to see what may be going on, the Tories will be under cover on the land. Is it to your mind that we should put about ? " " Indeed it is not," Richard Mayo cried angrily. A PITCHED BATTLE yj " They may gain the shore ; but we will be close after them, for this chase is. not to end until I have laid hands on Jacob Twining, even as I did upon Samuel Hastings back there at Whitehall slip." It was brave talk, of that there could be no ques- tion; yet the words were also vain, because in the darkness and on the shore, with nothing to guide us in the chase, there was not one chance in a thou- sand we might come up with them; but I was well content to continue on, believing thereby it would be possible for me to regain possession of the skiff. Our captain did not cease urging his crew to their utmost exertions, even though we had, in my opin- ion, lost the race, and never have I seen a lad who could inspire more of enthusiasm, or call out greater efforts from others, than that same Richard Mayo. " Keep your eye on the point where the skiff was lost to view in the shadow, so that we may not be obliged to spend precious moments hunting for the place where they went ashore," he said to me by way of caution, . and later, when I would have taken Enoch's oar that he might have a breathing spell, Richard insisted I must not leave the helm, since I alone knew how to hold the course. Within another fifteen minutes, and when all our Minute Boys were spent with exertion, we also came within the line of shadow, and, holding the cat-boat as best I might in a straight line from where the skiff had last been seen, I run her bow well up on the shore, heeding not possible injury that might be done the hull so we gained a few moments of time. Now it was seen I had either made a mistake in the direction, or the Tories had doubled on us when knowing they were hidden from view, for no trace of the skiff was to be found even after we had 7% THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK tramped either way from our place of landing a full quarter of a mile. We had spent, mayhap, an hour in this fruitless search, when all were come together again at the cat-boat, as if it was in the mind of each that our efforts would be of no avail. Richard Mayo was not willing to give up beaten thus soon. When Joseph Harker proposed that we go back to New York, there to wait until morning, when the Tories would most likely have returned, and then use our best efforts to find them, he said sharply, as if there was no appeal from his de- cision : " We shall search them out here, for certain it is they are somewhere along the shore. How heavy was that skiff of yours, you lads from Jamaica? " Understanding what was in his mind, and believ- ing he had hit upon the true reason, for their so complete disappearance, I replied : " Four of them might carry her for some distance, if so be they were pressed. She is a light craft for her size ; but would make too heavy a burden for a long journey." Then it was that our captain told us hurriedly, as if the plan had some time since been formed in his mind, what he would have us do. Enoch and I were to remain by the cat-boat as guard, lest the Tories, coming up suddenly, should take possession of her, and we were ordered to arm ourselves with stout cudgels^ which were to be used vigorously, regardless of possible injury to head or limb, in case of attack. The remaining five lads were to range back twenty yards or more from the water, marching to and fro, A PITCHED BATTLE 79 all the time increasing the distance from the shore, in the hope of coming upon the skiff. Now this was to my mind much like hunting for a needle in a haystack; yet it was not for me, who had so lately been permitted to join the company of Minute Boys, to make protest against any com- mand given by the lad whom the others looked upon as leader. When, however, Enoch and I were left alone, and could no longer hear the noise made by our com- rades, as they searched here and there in the dark- ness with no hope of coming upon that for which they sought, save by accident, I gave words to the thoughts in my mind, and Enoch replied in a tone of discontent : " I am better satisfied to stay here guarding this boat, than be stumbling through the underbrush in the darkness, with every chance of falling into an ambush, for those Tories must have wit enough, hearing the lads coming, to fall upon them suddenly. Yet I would far rather we were in Master Benson's house, for, as I look at the matter, Adam Skidmore, that gentleman has good cause for anger against us." " Ay," I replied sadly. " He warned us against taking part in a brawl, and straightway, almost be- fore his words were cold, did we fight a pitched battle on the dock, running the chances of being taken into custody by the watch, and then seized like pirates upon a craft which belonged to others. It seems to me a sorry business, and I would we were well out of it." " Yet if the lads do come upon the Tories, and we can carry them back prisoners, then will much 8o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK credit be ours, however Master Benson may storm." " There is little chance we shall gain any of honor, even from our own point of view, in this night work," I said gloomily, and then, leaning against the bow of the cat-boat, which was well up on the shore, I fell to thinking of what my father would say when he knew that I had, under claim of striving to aid the colony in the struggle against the King, become much the same as a night brawler, whose acts were like to bring reproach upon the Cause. Enoch strode to and fro, swinging his cudgel as if to hold himself in readiness for a sudden attack, and now and then we could hear our comrades making their way through the foliage with sufificient of noise to have warned the enemy, however careless, of their approach. When perhaps ten minutes had passed, I heard the sound as of some one making directly toward us, and said with a laugh : " Here is one who has come to understand that floundering around in the darkness is no way to find that for which he seeks." Enoch, again showing himself to have more ready wit than I, and on the alert for danger, even when it did not seem possible there was any near at hand, cried out : " Hello in the woods ! Are you of the Minute Boys!" While one might have counted ten there was no reply, and then came a voice, which I could not make sound familiar, strive though I would : "Of course we are. Who else do you expect can find you out in this darkness? " It was fortunate for me that I detected something strange in the tone, otherwise I might have been ■ HELLO IN THE WOODS ! A PITCHED BATTLE Si caught napping, for in another instant three fellows came out with a rush from among the bushes, and I knew that some of Jacob Twining's crew, were upon us. CHAPTER Vi TAKING PRISONERS I NEEDED no one to tell me that the Tories, having watched all our movements from the time they landed, and being able, as a matter of course, to keep out of the way of our lads who were blunder- ing through the foliage with enough of noise to betray their whereabouts to any one within a quar- ter-mile, had circled around with the intention of regaining possession of the cat-boat. It was no more than might have been expected, and yet I question if Richard Mayo, in his eagerness to come upon the enemy, gave them credit for hav- ing the ordinary amount of common sense. There is little need to say that I did not spend many seconds in thus arriving at a general idea of the situation. All which I have set down came into my mind like a flash of Hght even as I mentally braced myself for the struggle so near at hand. It was fortunate that Enoch and I had armed our- selves with stout clubs, yet we made the mistake of cutting them too long, for the bushes grew to the very water's edge, and one might not swing such a stick to advantage save in the open. But I counted myself a match for any two of the scoundrels, while my comrade could look after an equal number, there- fore I was not alarmed as to the outcome, save, per- adventure, others came up before our work was done. 82 TAKING PRISONERS, 83 " Look after yourself ! " Enoch cried, as he caught the first ghmpse of the foremost Tory and under- stood his purpose, and I cried, as if it pleased me to come once more at close quarters with the villains: " Never fear but that I'll hold up my end. Put your back against the bow of the boat, so we may not be come at from behind, and make every blow tell ! " By this time the scoundrels were upon us, bran- dishing clubs such as would have sent us to our last account had a fair blow been delivered, and our work was cut out, for while three against two does not seem at first glance to be such heavy odds, the third man would be able to do very much execution while his comrades kept Enoch and me busy. I was determined not to raise my voice in a cry for help. We two had been left to guard the boat while the others were away on what was really a wild-goose chase, and I was minded we should give proof of our ability to do it. Because I was backed against the port side of the boat, and thus stood nearest the fellows as they came out of the bushes, two of them made an attack upon me, while Enoch had but a single adversary. At the outset I contented myself with parrying their blows, using my club as if it had been a pike, and before many seconds passed I found that one of the fellows was bent on taking precious good care of his own worthless body, for instead of exposing himself in any way, he simply thrust out now and then, hoping to find me unprotected while evading a blow from his comrade. When this fact was made plain, I bent all my efforts to disabling the braver of the two, pressing him so hard that in less than a minute from the time 84 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK the attack was begun, I felled him with a lucky blow on the side of the head, and, by his manner of fall- ing, knew he was out of the battle for considerable time. Then I sprang upon the cowardly one, and in a twinkling he had turned tail, having little stomach for real fighting, while I foolishly gave chase as he disappeared among the bushes, for now anger had the mastery of my wits. " Don't take your chances in the brush ! " I heard Enoch shout as I dashed in among the foliage; but gave no heed to his words, believing I could speedily come upon the coward. In this I was mistaken. He must have hidden in a clump of bushes, after having gotten a good start, lest the sound of his footsteps should give warning of his whereabouts, and I blundered ahead, wild with rage. I had run, mayhap, an hundred feet, when came a blow across my shoulders that would have broken the bones had it been fairly delivered; but the foliage was so dense that the branches broke its force. Even as it was I plunged headlong, and would have fallen to the ground but that I brought up against the trunk of a friendly tree. Then I knew what the miserable Tory had done, and realized my own folly. While not willing to stand up in a fair fight, he was keen enough to understand how it might be possible to get the ad- vantage of me, and had well-nigh succeeded. The breath was partially knocked out of my body, and I could not take another step until having re- covered somewhat from the effect of the blow ; but, short though the time was, it gave the Tory oppor- tunity to dart back that he might join in the attack on Enoch. TAKING PRISONERS 85 Understanding full well the danger to which my comrade was exposed, I made all haste to retrace my steps, and so rapidly did I succeed in doing this, that I arrived just as my cunning adversary was aiming a blow at Enoch while the other Tory engaged him sharply. It must be that the fellow believed he had disabled me for a considerable length of time, and, therefore, did not expect I would return so soon, for I came behind him to within fair striking distance. One can well understand that I did not loiter when the opportunity thus presented itself, and be- fore the fellow could bring his club down on Enoch's unprotected head, I had put him out of the fight, for that night at least. Then we were two against one, and understand- ing that he could not hope to stand against us both many seconds, the Tory threw down his club as he raised his hands, shouting : " I surrender ! I surrender ! Do not strike a fellow who will not defend himself ! " It was difficult for me to restrain myself, and had we two been alone, I am afraid I might have struck one wlio yielded,himself prisoner; but Enoch, seeming to read the rage in my heart, sprang in front of the Tory as he cried : " Hold your hand, Adam Skidmore. This scoun- drel is our captive now, and must be fairly treated. Overhaul the running rigging, and get a length of rope with which to make him fast, for it is my belief that we will be wise to push off from the shore if we count on holding what has been gained." The dear lad could ever bring me to my senses with a word, no matter how hot might be my anger, and, dropping the club, I sprang on board the boat, 86 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK cutting a sufficient length of rope from the main sheet. Then we trussed that Tory up until he had use of but little more of his body than the tongue, and flung him without very great care into the stern- sheets. " Now we'll bundle the other fellows in. There's no need of tying them yet awhile, and push off from the shore to guard against a rescue," Enoch said, as he began dragging the second Tory toward the boat. " But we may be needed by our comrades," I said, hesitating to do as my comrade bade, even though I knew full well that his wits were better than mine. " We can readily come ashore again, though after we have taken three out of the field, Richard Mayo and those who are with him should be able to de- fend themselves." Enoch replied, tugging away at the apparently lifeless Tory, and I could do no less than lend a hand. We bundled the two unconscious scoundrels into the boat, and then, by exerting every ounce of our strength, pushed the craft off from the shore, an- choring her twenty or thirty feet away. " Now if we are needed, it will be a slight task to make the land," Enoch said in a tone of content, as he set about searching for more rope with which to bind the prisoners. " We'll fix these fellows so they can't do more than wiggle, after coming to consciousness, and then, according to my belief, we shall have done enough this night to show that the lads of Jamaica can hold their own as a general thing, even though they may be worsted once in a while." Remembering how we had been fettered after the TAKING PRISONERS 87 brawl at Whitehall slip, we were not gentle in secur- ing our captives, and then Enoch, using the bailing dish, doused the fellows with cold water, until those who had been knocked out of time opened their eyes. " I reckon the fight is well out of you Tories," my comrade said grimly, when all the prisoners understood what was going on around them ; " but it may be well, for your own safety, to give warn- ing that the first who raises his voice in an attempt to sound an alarm, will have a broken head, or be chucked overboard tied as he is." " My head is broken already," the fellow who had shown himself to be a coward, though a quick- witted one, whined, and I replied savagely, for my shoulders were yet so sore that I could not stand erect without suffering great pain: " It would serve you well right if that was indeed the case. I can have some admiration for a fellow, even though he be a Tory, who will stand knee to knee with an enemy; but one who dares not take even chances in a battle, deserves to get it good and hot." " What do you count on doing with us ? " one of the others asked, and Enoch replied stoutly : " Keep you out of mischief for a spell, if no more. Somebody must answer for what was done to John [Benson, and unless we turn you over to the officers of the law on that charge, I'm thinking it would be a good idea to carry you down the bay where you won't be able to work treason to the colony." At the very instant the fellow asked what would be done with them, I was turning that same question over in my mind. We had taken them prisoners. 88 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK but yet could not lawfully hold them, and might get into serious trouble, even with the Whigs, for thus offending against the laws of the colony. Before I had time to trouble my head very greatly over this matter, we heard the noise made by our comrades as they came toward the shore, and an instant later Richard Mayo cried as if in alarm: " The boat is gone ! Those Tories have turned the tables on us ! " I could but laugh at the note of alarm in his voice, for it was apparent that he was thoroughly frightened, and held my peace, motioning for Enoch to do the same, until the New York boys were running to and fro in excitement bordering on terror, when I hailed: " The cat-boat is in good hands, and if so be you are wanting to come aboard, we will pull in nearer the shore. Have you given over trying to find the skiff?" " It can't be done in the darkness. The miserable Tories have either carried her well inshore, or else they did not land hereabouts," Richard cried. "Why did you push the boat off? I thought the boys from Jamaica counted on having courage enough to defend themselves, if no more ! " " There is little sense in sticking one's nose into danger," I said meekly as I pulled in on the cable. " While you were crashing through the bushes, mak- ing noise enough to warn all the Tories in Jersey of your whereabouts, the fellows who stole my skiff might have got the best of Enoch and me." " I'm allowing that John Benson made a grievous mistake when he proposed that you two join our company of Minute Boys," Richard Mayo said an- TAKING PRISONERS 89 grily. " We want none but fellows with backbone, who can be counted on to at least defend themselves, and not those who crawl off to a place of safety when their comrades are in danger! " It pleased me to keep him in ignorance of what we had done, until he had vented all his spleen and disappointment upon us, and I asked humbly : " Did you come upon any signs of the Tories? " " We neither saw nor heard anything. They did not land here, and, therefore, you had no need to show your cowardice." " But we heard three of them," I said, still speak- ing in the tone of one who acknowledges himself in the wrong. " You two were so scared that the twittering of a bird would sound in your ears like thunder ! " Richard cried angrily. " Pull the boat inshore that we may get aboard! You need not be afraid of coming to any harm; but when we are on the New York shore once more, the Jamaica Minute Boys may go their way, for we have had enough and to spare of them this night." By the time he ceased speaking I had pulled the cat-boat in until her bow grated upon the sand, and one after another our comrades came aboard, Rich- ard being the first. He went directly aft, and, see- ing in the gloom what must have looked like a pile of dunnage, stretched out his hand to pull it aside. As a matter of course he soon made the discovery that there were prisoners aboard, and suddenly straightening up, asked hoarsely : " What is the meaning of all this? " " Those fellows are Tories, who counted on get- go THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK ting possession of the cat-boat while you were floundering around in the bushes," Enoch said sharply. " And you two made prisoners of three ? " " You can count them," Enoch replied, and I found it difficult to repress my mirth because of the sudden change which came over the lad who had been rating us as cowards. " Why didn't you say there had been a fight, or sing out when they came up ? " the lad demanded furiously. " Answering your last question first, we didn't think it worth while to make any outcry, because there were only three against us two," Enoch said softly. " I'll admit Jamaica lads are not very brave, yet you won't find them whining because the odds are not in their favor, and if Adam or I had given an alarm, it would have been to warn the other Tories that they were needed near the boat." " Forgive me for speaking as I did," Richard said as he held out his hands to Enoch and me. " I had no right to call you cowards, even though you had pushed off the boat thinking you could defend her the better while she was afloat. But why didn't you tell me what had happened, so that I might have been spared the shame of showing myself a fool? " It would have been impossible not to forgive the lad for his harsh words when he so frankly admitted the fault, and I said laughingly, while pressing his hand warmly in token that I bore no ill will : " You didn't ask whether we had seen or heard anything; but announced that the Tories were not hereabouts, and, since you are the leader, it would not have been seemly in me to contradict you." " Tell me about it," he said eagerly, and the others TAKING PRISONERS 91 gathered around Enoch and me, after each in turn had inspected the prisoners. I told the story in few words, not being minded to dwell overly long on what we had done, lest the lads came to think I was given to boasting, and when it was done Richard said heartily : " I am ready and willing to confess that you Jamaica boys have shown yourselves able to best any of us in New York. I was feeling glum be- cause we had been so completely outwitted, when you hailed, and believed we must go home like whipped curs; but, thanks to you two, the venture has been a big success. Now we leave it for you to say whether we shall set sail at once, or wait here till daylight in the hope of finding the skiff." "If you go back to New York this night, it must be by working those heavy sweeps, for the wind has flattened out completely," I replied, feeling mighty fine because of having done that which raised us so high in the estimation of the New York boys. " I am ready to do whatever you say, but certain it is we shall have a long, hard pull, if we set off at once, whereas the breeze may spring up by sun- rise." " Then we stay where we are," Richard said heartily, turning to the others as if to make certain they approved of the decision. " After what you lads have done we are well content to follow your lead." " Suppose we push off so far from the land that the Tories cannot come upon us unawares, if so be they have any fight left in them," Enoch sug- gested, " and since we will take turns at standing watch, all hands need not go without sleep." I believe the New York lads would have agreed 92 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK to any folly we might have suggested, so pleased were they because we had taken three prisoners, thus saving them from the reproach of having been outwitted by the Tories, and willing hands soon had the cat-boat moored a good fifty yards from the shore, after which I proposed that Enoch should take the first watch and I the second, intend- ing that we two would remain on duty, without calling upon the others for relief, until daylight had come. Without waiting to discuss the matter, Richard and his comrades set about making preparations for the night, by first looking after the wounds on the heads of the Tories, and then stretching out at full length in whatever part of the boat they found the most comfortable. Enoch did not lie down immediately, but came to where I had taken station in the bow, saying in a low tone that he might not disturb those who were inclined to sleep : "I am of the mind, Adam Skidmore, that we need not go back to New York without your skiff. She is too heavy for the Tories to carry very far into the thicket, and most likely we shall find her within fifty feet of the water. When daylight comes, so we may go amid the foliage with little danger of falling into an ambush, it should be a short task to get her." " Because of our prisoners, we know that she must be somewhat near at hand, and — Enoch ! If we are minded we can make that cowardly lad tell all he knows concerning what was done when they first went ashore ! " I cried as a sudden thought came into my mind. " By threatening strongly TAKING PRISONERS 93 enough, I have no question but that he will answer our questions in order to save his own skin." " It is a good idea, Adam, and we will make a try of it when daylight comes. Now that is settled, I will get a little sleep, and when you call me I'll do the remainder of the watching, rather than trust the boat to these lads who are not so accustomed to roughing it as either you or I." Then the lad threw himself on the thwart near where I sat, and it seemed as if he had no more than stretched out at full length before heavy breathing told that he was lost in slumber. That the New York lads had confidence in me as a watchman was shown by their following Enoch's example without loss of time, and soon I was the same as alone, with ample opportunity to reflect upon what we of Jamaica had done. There were no scruples in my mind because of having agreed to enroll myself as a Minute Boy, for I felt confident my father would approve of it heartily; but as to having come to blows with the Tories, I was not so certain. Whatever might be the outcome of this voyage to the Jersey shore, it was certain we — meaning more particularly Enoch and myself who did not have influential friends in the city, — would be in a most disagree- able position. If we went back to John Benson's home his father would censure us for having gone directly contrary to his commands, and it was not beyond the bounds of possibility that he might forbid our ever coming to his house again, as indeed he had good cause. Then again, these Tories, all of whom could exert more or less influence, through their parents, would 94 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK not be likely to remain passive after we had got the better of them so decidedly, and there was every likelihood we might find ourselves in the custody of the sherifif. It seemed to me, as I turned the matter over in my mind while the other lads were sleeping, that the only course for Enoch and me to pursue, was to return to Jamaica at the earliest possible mo- ment; but we could not go in a stolen boat, there- fore was it in the highest degree important that we gain possession of the skiff as soon as another day had dawned, when we would be in a position to follow our own inclinations despite what the other Minute Boys might say. The longer I dwelt upon the matter the more nec- essary did it seem for Enoch and me to reach Ja- maica within a short time, for there might we con- trive to keep clear of any officers of the law who would be sent by the Tories to apprehend us for breaking the peace, and thus, before I was minded to arouse my comrade that he might stand his due share of the watch, the regaining of the skiff ap- peared to my mind as of the utmost importance. Even when Enoch was awakened, and the night was considerably more than half gone, I could not compose myself to sleep, for after having told him that which was in my mind, my mental uneasiness increased ten-fold. " I am of the belief that we shall come upon the skiff with but little difficulty, even though we cannot persuade the Tory to talk," the lad said after a time of deep thought. " It may be you are right, Adam, in believing that the only place of refuge now for us is in Jamaica, yet, as you know only too well, the Tories on Long island are as plentiful TAKING PRISONERS 95 as elsewhere, and if the hue-and-cry should be raised against us there, the chance of hiding would not be as good as in the big city of New York." " Yet I would rather fight for my liberty near those who love me, than among strangers," I re- plied, and verily I was conjuring up bug-bears that frightened me more than they did Enoch. " It would not be an overly long journey if we set out from here." " But surely you are counting on going back to explain to Master Benson why we disobeyed his commands ! " Enoch cried as if in alarm, and although I did my best to persuade him there was no real need of our having further speech with John's father, he insisted that we were in duty bound to go to his house as soon as might be. Well, we discussed the matter until the sun gave token of showing himself once more, and neither had succeeded in convincing the other. Then, ren- dered impatient by my newly-born fears, I went aft and shook into consciousness that Tory who had shown the white feather the night previous. In doing this I aroused all our company, and the prisoners must have understood that they were in a position where truth would be of more avail than falsehood, for every lad of us surely looked angry and menacing. As a matter of fact we were hungry withal, and because the wind had failed to come with the rising of the sun, we knew that the fast would be prolonged to the very verge of misery, unless we might find the skiff speedily, for she was a craft that could be pulled across the bay with comparatively little labor The Tory did not hesitate to answer our questions promptly, most like having come to understand it 96 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK would be safer for his body if he did so, and de- clared that he and his comrades had carried the boat not more than twenty feet from the water's edge, leaving her up-ended in a clump of small cedar trees within five minutes' walk of where we had put the large craft ashore. Hurriedly we pulled the cat-boat in, and Enoch, Richard Mayo and I landed, leaving our comrades to guard the prisoners and the craft. In less than ten minutes, thanks to the daylight, we came upon the skiff, and then did rage get the mastery of me once more, for the miserable Tories had stove three of the timbers, using heavy rocks as weapons, to such purpose that she could not have been made sea-worthy by a skilled workman in less than eight and forty hours. " That puts an end to our seeing Jamaica for some days, unless we are minded to walk across the island where three out of every four are enemies," Enoch said grimly, whereupon Richard Mayo asked if it had been in our minds to return home soon. I was so sore at heart because the skiff had been wrecked thus wantonly, as to feel the need of sym- pathy, and straightway told him all that had come into my mind during the night. " You need have no fear that Jacob Twining's crew, or any of their kidney, can find you, after we once reach the city," Richard said in a confident tone which went far toward heartening me. " I will see. to it that you have a safe hiding place, if Master Benson believes you should not stay at his home, and every member of our Minute Boys will make it his especial business to act as guard. Re- main with us, and as soon as may be we will send word to your parents why you fail to return," TAKING PRISONERS 97 " I'm thinking we shall be forced to remain with you a considerable time, for instead of a breeze coming with the rising sun, it has fallen a dead calm," Enoch replied grimly, and Richard said with a laugh: " We won't stay here many hours with nothing in our stomachs, that you may depend on. It will be a hard task to row the cat-boat; but we are able to do it, and, besides, we'll make certain the Tories perform full share of the work." " Would you put the prisoners to the oars ? " I asked in surprise, and the lad replied gravely: " You shall soon see. But for them we would not be here, and unless their comrades had wrecked the skiff, we'd have a small craft instead of a large one to pull. They will stay at the oars as long as either of us is obliged to, else something serious has happened to me." Then he led the way on board the cat-boat, and once there the story of the willful wrecking was told, after which Richard said in a tone of com- mand: " Now we'll make a start. Unloose the Tories, and let two take one of the sweeps, while the other works with me. I am minded they shall do a full share of the work, and would keep them under my eye." " Are you counting on going boldly to the city aboard this craft ? " James Ffolett asked in alarm, and Richard replied as he began to cast off the ropes from the arms and legs of the prisoners : " We'll decide upon that matter later, when we are so near the town as to make it necessary we map out a course." CHAPTER VI IN HIDING The bodily relief of the Tory prisoners when their bonds were cast off, was so great that they made no protest against working the oars, for almost any kind of labor was preferable to being trussed up in such a fashion that arms and legs were cramped most painfully. The anchor was raised, the heavy sweeps run out, and the Minute Boys and their prisoners set about forcing the sluggish craft through the water on the long journey homeward. At first there was much talking and laughing; but as time passed, and all hands began to feel the effect of the exhausting labor, they relapsed into a silence which was broken now and then only by a long-drawn sigh, or an exclamation of anger against those who, by wreck- ing the skiff, had made all this labor necessary. The boat moved slowly. None of us were feeling much like work owing to the fact of not having broken our fast, and I was in anything rather than a cheery mood because of my forebodings and the loss of sleep during the night just passed. Take it all in all I am inclined to think that just then the prisoners were more comfortable in mind than were we, believing they must perforce be set free on arriving at New York, since it was hardly to be expected we would dare make an attempt to march them across the city as captives. 98 IN HIDING 99 It was when this last idea came into my mind, coupled with the fact that Enoch and I would be forced to stay in town some little time owing to the loss of the skiff, unless we were minded to make the dangerous journey across the island, that I asked Richard Mayo to change places with my comrade, so that he and I might have speech with somewhat of privacy. " What's going on now? " Enoch asked on learn- ing that I desired to change partners, and I replied in a whisper : " You shall know later. Now I would talk with Richard concerning that which has just come into my mind." When he whom we looked upon as the captain of the Minute Boys was by my side at the sweep, I asked in a tone so low that it could not be over- heard by those in front or behind us : " Where do you count on going once we gain the other shore? " " Why do you want to know ? " he asked sus- piciously. " Because Enoch and I are like to be in hard straits. I doubt if Master Benson will, after all that has happened, admit us again to his home, and although you lads have said we should be cared for until such time as it may be possible to return to Jamaica, neither Enoch nor I are minded to bring your parents as much trouble as might be caused by taking us in. Therefore would I have a smat- tering of your plan in order to form one for my- self." " I have been turning the same thing over since we left the Jersey shore," he replied thoughtfully. " An hundred yards or more along the shore beyond 100 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK Catherine street, a small brook running down through the waste lands to the river has made a sort of cove, at the head of which Joseph Marker and myself put up a shanty near to a year ago, using it now and then as a rendezvous in our sports. There you and Enoch might remain secretly for many days, and we Minute Boys would have no trouble in providing you with food, for, by going across the Common to the Boston road as far as the Jews' burying-ground, and then over the stubble, we could come upon your hiding place without fear of being detected. What say you? " " It is more to my liking than for us to be quar- tered in any house where, because of harboring us, the people might get into serious difficulties. But what about this boat ? " " I have been saying to myself that we would run up the North river as far as Degrushe's rope-walk, and there, while Joseph was guiding you to the hiding place, the rest of us could disperse. We will anchor the boat nearabout, so Jacob Twining may get her at some time in the future, although to make things even we should wreck the craft as he did the skiff." " I am not a friend to wanton mischief," was my reply. " You will find me ready to stand up against any of these Tories, if so be need arise; but it goes against my grain to destroy property simply as a method of angering my enemies. What about your allowing Joseph Harker to know where Enoch and I are hidden ? John Benson told me his people were rank Tories." " So they are ; but we can count on Joseph's standing by us all the time. You need have no fear of him." IN HIDING lOI Then it was I gave words to that which had troubled me concerning the home affairs, explain- ing to Richard why it was not well for Enoch and me to cross Long island on foot, and asking if it came within his way to borrow a boat for us, so we might return by water, to do so. To this he agreed, and then, believing that I had a right to a voice in settling what should be done with the prisoners, since it was Enoch and I who had captured them, asked if he had formed any plans toward such end. " That is a matter which troubles me not a little, Adam Skidmore, and I would have your opinion." " What can you do save let them go free once they are in New York ? " " I know not, and yet it frets me sorely to turn them loose without punishment of some kind, after all the mischief they have done." " Since the afternoon when Enoch and I lay under the dock tied hand and foot, I have a very good idea of how much punishment was inflicted when we forced the fellows to spend the night trussed up in such fashion that they could not wiggle. Take that, together with obliging them to work at the oars this hot forenoon, and it is in my mind they will think twice before again rubbing our fur the wrong way." Then we discussed how they might be released, and Richard promised that Enoch and I should set off for the hiding place while the Tories were yet aboard the cat-boat, so there might be no possibility of their lying in wait for us. " I am not afraid of having an encounter with them," I added, fearing lest Richard might think I was grown faint-hearted. " We two lads from 102 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK Jamaica made them prisoners, and are not afraid to meet all three in a fair fight. But there is no good reason why the scoundrels should have a chance to learn where we are hiding." The lad promised faithfully to attend to that matter, and then he went back to his oar, leaving Enoch free to stand by my side again. As a matter of course I repeated to my comrade all which had been said between the captain of the Minute Boys and myself, and I believe both of us felt better after having plans for the future defi- nitely laid, although we were sore at heart lest our parents should be anxious because of the long delay in returning. " It will come out straight in the end," Enoch said with the air of one who is determined to throw off trouble. " Both your father and mine understand the condition of affairs in New York, and would know there were many chances that we might be prevented from going back at once. Besides, we came so rapidly that it may well be believed we have not yet arrived." Then we turned all our attention to working the sluggish boat along. I tugged and strained at the heavy oars, faint from lack of food and rest, and near to being melted by the fervent rays of the sun, until it seemed of a verity I should be so womanish as to faint. Had we come across from the Jersey shore on a direct course, the painful journey would have been ended some time before. But because of the fact that we dared not approach within hail of any craft, lest our prisoners grow bold enough to make it known they were detained against their will, we were forced to run a zig-zag course, making a long IN HIDING 103 detour here and another there, to avoid coming too close aboard a craft which might be manned by Tories. However, devious though our course was, and great the expenditure of labor necessary to force her along while it was a dead calm, we came off the rope-walk at nearabout four o'clock in the after- noon, and before making in to the shore Richard believed it wise to bind and gag the prisoners lest they make an outcry, if any person passed close at hand. The Tories, who had most likely expected to be set free immediately we gained the New York shore, looked thoroughly terrified at this procedure, for it seemed to betoken a long time of imprisonment, although, by using a little common sense, it might well have been understood that we could not hold them captives very many hours more. They begged to be spared the gags, making the wildest promises as to silence and behavior if we would allow them to move around the boat at will; but Richard, minded to cause them all the mental suffering possible, insisted upon putting it beyond their power to raise an alarm, and was so ferocious withal, that one might have thought it his purpose to have them put to death. " You and Enoch shall get away at once," the captain said to me when he had disposed of the Tories to his satisfaction. " Joseph will act as guide, and James Ffolett and I pledge ourselves to come to you with food as soon as we can procure it, even before waiting to satisfy our own hunger." The New York boys did not take leave of us, be- cause it might give some inkling of our purpose to the Tories, and when the bow of the boat was 104 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK drawn up on the shore, we three lads leaped over the rail, Joseph Marker starting off toward the rope- walk at his best pace. From that moment until we were come to a small hut almost hidden by bushes near the head of the tiny cove concerning which Richard had told us, not a word was spoken. Then, throwing open the door of the shanty, Joseph said hurriedly, and there was the idea in my mind that he was secretly troubled about something: " I am in haste to get the wherewithal to satisfy my hunger, and therefore leave you now because I can do nothing more. I shall come again not later than to-morrow morning, and bring with me what- soever I can gather up at home without exciting suspicion, for, as perhaps you know, my people are not friendly to the Cause." " Ay, so we have heard," Enoch said slowly, as if uncertain just what words to use, " and because they are inclined toward the king, so much the more reason why you should keep close guard over your tongue concerning what has been done since last evening." " I shall be forced to tell at least a portion of the truth, in order to make excuses to my mother for not having been home; but you may be certain nothing will be said that can do you harm." " Are your parents willing you should join the Minute Boys while they believe it right to serve the king?" I asked, and the lad replied without hesitation : " I am free to do as I please ; but am careful not to make overly many boasts at home concerning my efforts to aid the colonies." Having said this Joseph Harker turned quickly, IN HIDING lOS as if almost afraid to hold further converse with us on the subject, and hastened away, Enoch and I standing in the door of the hut gazing after him until he was lost to view amid the bushes which hereabout grew in profusion. " It strikes me we have not improved our condi- tion this past hour," Enoch said with a long-drawn sigh, after we had remained silent a full minute, staring blankly in the direction where Joseph Harker had disappeared. "If a hue-and-cry should be raised against us, we are at the mercy of the son of a Tory, and that which surprises me is, why Joseph should be allowed to throw in his lot with the colonists, when his people believe it is a grievous wrong to say or do aught against the king." More than once during the day had doubts come into my mind concerning this lad, and I had said to myself much the same as Enoch just voiced. But believing it unwise to look into the future for trouble when there was no way by which we might better the situation, I said in what I counted should be a careless tone : " Surely Richard Mayo and the other lads know whether Joseph may be trusted or not, and by allow- ing him to join the Minute Boys they are putting themselves as nearly in his power as are we at this moment, so let us give heed only to that which lies before us." " I would it were such a dinner as has most like been served in Master Benson's house this day, which laid before us," Enoch said with a mirthless laugh, and then we inspected the hut which was our place of refuge. It was a tiny building, not more than ten feet long and perhaps six or seven wide, built of logs, I06 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK bits of board, and such material as one might fancy had been cast ashore by the river. The whole was put together stoutly, in a manner that would serve to shelter one from the wind and rain, and more than that lads like Enoch and me, who had not been overly pampered at home, did not need. There was in this hut by way of furnishing, three or four short lengths of logs which could be used as stools, a shallow pen in one corner filled with leaves and straw as apology for a bed, and two wooden boxes which I guessed had played the part of cupboards when the lads had food to be stowed away. At that end opposite the door had been cut a small window, which was closed by a shutter on the inside. It was not an inviting looking place, but yet to fellows who had possibly gotten themselves into serious trouble, as in our case, it was by no means an unpleasant hiding-place, and I said to myself that we might live here in comparative comfort for many a long day, if it should be possible by any means to send word to our parents. The one thing which we were most needing just at that time, was food, and when Enoch spoke again of the meals at Master Benson's home, I cautioned him against expecting any of the Minute Boys very soon. " They must have spent considerable time, after we left them, making ready to set the prisoners free. Then there was before each a journey of some length to reach home, when explanations must be made, their own hunger satisfied, and food put up for us, all of which would require several hours, therefore we may not hope to see them before dark." IN HIDING 107 As token that I was prepared to wait patiently a long while, I threw myself upon the ground which formed the floor, as if to sleep, and Enoch followed my example. One might suppose that a fellow who could see so much of trouble ahead of him as I could, would not be able to close his eyes in rest very quickly, and yet despite my hunger, regardless of evil that might come to me, so great was the weariness of body that I must have lost myself in slumber within a very few moments after thus in- viting it. The next I knew was when a sudden opening of the door, which we had fastened by placing a short length of log against it, recalled me to consciousness, and, springing to my feet, I stood gazing in bewil- derment and alarm at him who stood revealed in the opening, for it was none other than my father. " How did you find us here ? " I asked in amaze, and there was little need for him to answer the question when James Ffolett showed himself in the doorway. Even then it was a mystery as to how my father stumbled upon this Minute Boy so soon, for the sun had not yet set, and if peradventure he had come to New York in search of me, how had it been possible for him to hit upon a stranger able to guide him, and I put this mental question into words. The explanation was very simple. My father had visited New York on business connected with the company of Minute Men, of which he was the captain, and, quite naturally, had that very afternoon called upon Master Benson, who, as a matter of course, told him what Enoch and I had done, so far as he knew, and also concerning our disappearance. While they were yet conversing, James Ffolett Io8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK and Richard Mayo arrived to inform John Benson of what had occurred, and thus it was that my father came to know of what might well have been called a disgraceful escapade. While Richard was waiting for Master Benson's servants to put up some food for us, he sent James Ffolett on as guide to my father, and hence the visit. " Then you know that Enoch and I have joined a company of Minute Boys here in New York?" I said when my father had, in the fewest words pos- sible, explained how he chanced to find us out, and he replied gravely, causing my cheeks to flush with shame : " That you declare yourself ready to serve the colony, pleases me; but I am grieved because you evidently fail to understand the difference between striving for the right and brawling in the streets, which last, it would seem, has occupied the greater portion of your time since you arrived in New York." Thus put upon my defense, I begged that he listen to all the story, and then say if we could have done aught different, save, mayhap, when we fell upon Jacob Twining and his crew in revenge for what they had done to us. Enoch helped me out here and there, when I failed to make it plain how we were forced into this situation or that, and so long a time did the explanation require, that Richard Mayo, literally laden with provisions, came in while I was yet striv- ing to regain the good opinion of my father. He joined with Enoch in aiding me, and although my own desire just then was to set myself right, so heavy was hunger upon me that even while telling IN HIDING 109 the story I devoured food eagerly, as does one on the verge of starvation. There was a great joy in my heart when he, whose good opinion I valued above all others in the world, admitted that he had spoken without suffi- cient reason, and said in that kindly tone I loved so well: " I will agree, my son, that a hot-headed lad like yourself could not be expected to pursue a course different from the one you have seemingly been forced into. By your own showing, however, you have allowed anger to overcome good judgment, and thus are brought into serious straits. The parents of those lads with whom you have come into violent contact, are of considerable influence in the city despite their political opinions, and there is in my mind, as well as in that of Master Benson's, the be- lief that charges of a serious nature will be made against you. I believe you will be safer here for a time, than at home where the Tory element is so strong, and the desire to do you harm so keen, that when it was known an order of arrest had been issued against you, capture would be certain. Mas- ter Benson has promised to look after you and Enoch, so far as may be possible, and as soon as it is considered safe, will bring you to his home. There you will remain, obeying him as you would me, until I send further instructions." As a matter of course my father said very much more than I have set down ; but these were the com- mands he laid upon me, and it is not needed in the telling of what the Minute Boys of New York did, that I should multiply words to make plain all which passed between us. It is enough if I say that he parted from me with no THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK loving tenderness, and even though my heart was sore because of his going away, a great burden of sorrow had been lifted from it because of knowing that my parents would no longer feel anxiety con- cerning me. It was necessary James Ffolett should continue to act as guide until my father was once more at Master Benson's home, for the way across the waste land up to the Boston road was not plain save for him who was familiar with the neighborhood, and such visitors as we who were in hiding had, must, in order to insure our safety, come and depart by a roundabout way. Richard was not minded to remain many moments after having provided us with food, and ten minutes later he also went away, promising, however, to re- turn some time during the next day. It would be a dull story if I should set down all that Enoch and I did and said during the five days we remained in the hut, visited now and then by one or another of the Minute Boys, and growing each hour more impatient at being thus housed up when it seemed as if the struggle between the king and the colonists was about to burst forth into blood- shed. Twice did Joseph Harker come, each time staying a long while, questioning us now and again as to the Whigs of Jamaica, as if he would learn all he might concerning our townspeople. This seemed to me so strange in a lad who could have but little of sym- pathy or of interest with his elders so far away, that my suspicions regarding his loyalty increased daily, although Enoch and I, when alone, argued that he must be true to us else would he have betrayed our whereabouts long since, IN HIDING III It was well known in the city, and of course to our comrades, the Minute Boys, that charges had been laid against Enoch and me, and we would be lodged in prison in event of coming across the offi- cers of the law. When I asked John Benson why the same complaint had not been made against the other members of our company, he said that, ac- cording to his father's belief, the Tories did not dare move against lads whose parents were mem- bers of the Committee ; but chose rather to hit upon us two, who had little influence in New York, be- lieving that at our trial all who had been concerned in the matter would be discovered, without its seem- ing to be a Tory plan to involve the other lads. If I have forgotten to say that John Benson had recovered from his wounds, it is because it seemed no more than reasonable he should be able to walk about before our five days of virtual imprisonment had come to an end. A lad of his age can stand many a hard rap on the head without being seriously disabled, and, but for his parents' fears, John might well have gone out on the street the same night he had been brought home wounded. During this time that Enoch and I remained shut up in the hut, Jacob Twining and all his crew of Tories had shown themselves boldly on the street, so we were told by our comrades, the Minute Boys, and were swaggering about more offensively than ever, since word had been brought from Boston that the king's soldiers were making ready to inflict direct punishment upon the people of Massachusetts Col- ony, because they had dared raise their voices in complaint when sorely oppressed. In fact, so the lads told us, all the Tories in New York were walking more stifHy, and holding their 112 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK heads higher, in the belief that within a very short time we, whom they called rebels, would be put past the power of raising hand or voice in defense of our homes. " It is," so Richard Mayo said, " as if they be- lieve that within a few days all the Whigs will be beaten into subjection, and I know full well that if any of us who call ourselves Minute Boys, come upon Jacob Twining and his crew, where there is little fear of interference by the watch, we shall have another battle. I would we had brought our three prisoners here, holding them hostages for the good behavior of the others, who are growing stronger in numbers each day as it appears more evident that the king's forces can speedily overrun the colony." " A fine time we would have had with them," Enoch said laughingly. " It has been mournful enough for Adam and me to stay here cooped up while you lads were running about the streets at will, without our being forced to act as jailers to a party of scurvy Tories." It can well be understood that our friends brought to us all the news that could be heard on the streets, and thus we kept in touch with what was going on, while matters were tending toward the opening of that bloody war which was necessary before our country could be free from oppression. I might set down page after page of what we did and said, telling how the people of New York made ready for that great struggle, and what the Whigs in other colonies were doing; but since my purpose is only to relate the story of the Minute Boys of New York City, I must hasten over it, and come to that time when, at midnight, John Benson IN HIDING 113 and Richard Mayo burst into the shanty, crying out that we must make ready for flight. Enoch and I, suddenly aroused from sleep, were for the moment bewildered, not understanding all that was said so hurriedly, until John Benson, eager that we leave the refuge as soon as might be, sat himself to explain. " Some person has given information that you are hiding here, and but for Jacob Twining's boast- ings you might have been taken prisoners to-morrow morning. Richard overheard him say not three hours since, that the officers would come down Catherine street at break of day, and there find one who would lead them where they wanted to go. Now those words can have but one meaning, which is that you have been betrayed." " By Joseph Harker ! " I cried, and Richard Mayo said quickly: " We will hope not, lad, for it would grieve me sorely to think he could play the traitor; but cer- tain it is some one has done so, and we have no time to question who the scoundrel may be, for you must be safe and snug in Master Benson's house within the hour." " But will they not come there, failing to find us here?" I asked, almost trembling with apprehen- sion, for this news was good proof that we had not been forgotten, as I at one time fondly hoped, by the Tories. " It is Master Benson's command, and we have but to obey without question," Richard replied, whereupon Enoch said with a nervous laugh : " Then let us set off at once 1 There is no good reason why we should delay here, since, save for that which remains in the way of provisions, there 114 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK will be little need to gather up our belongings." Without further parley we went out into the night, my mind in a whirl, for during the past five days I had come to believe we need have no further fear regarding what had been done. Now, with the knowledge come upon me so suddenly that the danger was great even as when we first sought that poor place of refuge, I came to believe we must speedily be taken into custody, with no hope that the Committee of Safety would do aught toward aiding lads, even though they were Whigs, who had taken it upon themselves to foment a disturbance at a time when the slightest overt act might lead to serious consequences. "If it is Joseph Harker who has done this thing, and to my mind there can be no other," I said to John Benson, as we walked arm and arm across the waste land, counting to strike the Boston road and go thence down the Broad Way to Bowling Green, " then will he know that our next hiding-place is in your father's house." " You need have no fear, Adam Skidmore, for it has been agreed that no one save Richard Mayo and myself among our Minute Boys shall know of your whereabouts. I am not willing to believe Joseph would show himself such a cur as to turn traitor, much less would I think it of any other member of our com~pany; but because some one has done so, my father insists we shall hold this night's work a secret." This soothed my fear somewhat, and I went on more contentedly, saying to myself that when an- other night came Enoch and I would strike out for Long island, taking the chances of getting home IN HIDING 11 1 5 before my father should give the word, rather than stay where our enemies were so strong. We kept on up to the Boston road as far as the tan-yards, where we halted for an instant to make certain no one was coming across the country, and were on the point of moving forward again when Richard Mayo seized my arm, dragging me down to the ground, while at the same moment I heard the sound of voices in the distance, as if five or six people were coming directly toward us. " Jacob Twining could not wait until morning ; but must needs come in the darkness," Enoch whis- pered, and I believed verily he had told the truth, for who would have been abroad at that hour and in that place, save he was going to the hut we had so lately abandoned ? CHAPTER VII JOSEPH HARKER As we crouched there in the darkness, listening to the hum of voices, unable to distinguish more than a word now and then, I said to myself that if these were enemies bound for the shanty we had just left, then had John Benson and Richard Mayo made some mistake, for, according to their state- ments, Enoch and I were not to be disturbed until daylight. If this last was correct, then who could these fellows be, sneaking across the Common as if on a direct course to our late place of refuge? This question I turned over and over in my mind, as we lay upon the ground listening intently in the hope of hearing that which would explain matters, and at the same time a great bitterness came into my heart because none of our company of Minute Boys, save Enoch and myself, were thus being hunted down. The city lads, who were equally cul- pable with us, if indeed it was wrong to attack a Tory, could walk the streets of New York boldly, with their heads held high, and no one molested them, because their parents were among the leading people of the town. But we who came from Jamaica, whose fathers were not wealthy, must needs be singled out as scapegoats, and hunted as if we alone had raised our hands against Jacob Twining's crew. ii6 JOSEPH MARKER I17 Even while sajring all this to myself, I realized full well how loyally these New York boys were standing by us, and understood that Master Benson was taking big risks in harboring two for whom it was supposed the officers of the law were searching. This last fact should have been sufficient to soothe the bitterness in my heart; but yet it did not, and I came to consider Enoch and myself as martyrs to the Cause, foolish though such idea was. " There is no question but Jacob Twining is in yonder company," John Benson whispered to me, thus cutting short my thread of painful thoughts and fancies. " I have heard his voice plainly, and also that of Sam Hastings; but cannot make out if there are any men among them." " It is the same crew that made the attack on John," Richard added, in a cautious tone, and I asked petulantly, for brooding upon my fancied wrongs had rendered me nervous and irritable: " Why are they here without the officers? " " Most like that cur, Jacob, believes it would be a big feather in his cap if he could make the capture, and hold you prisoners until the officers came. Such an act would bring him into favorable notice among those who serve the king against the colonists, and he is a lad who strives to make himself appear as of great importance in the affairs of the city," John said, as if believing he had arrived at the truth of the matter. " If it so be there are no men there, why shouldn't we fall upon them suddenly ? " Enoch asked. " We have bested the fellows once, and can do it again." " The noise of the brawl would bring the watch down upon us, even though we are so far from the Il8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK town,*' John said decidedly. " My father's com- mand was that we get you into my home secretly, and that cannot be done if we start a fight here." With the sense of wrong rankling in my heart because Enoch and I alone were looked upon as the wrong-doers among the Minute Boys, the idea of making an attack upon these Tory scoundrels was most pleasing, and regardless of what John had said, I favored it heartily, believing I could give those who would hunt me down like a dog such a mauling as would cause them to have more respect for lads who hailed from Jamaica. " Let me get my hands once more on those miser- able curs, and I promise there will be no mercy shown," I said bitterly. " It will be better to settle matters here and now, even though the watch should come up, than take to our heels like cowards." " But a brawl here won't settle matters," Richard objected. " We should but be paying off personal scores, and the charge against you and Enoch would show up blacker than ever. It is best to do as Mas- ter Benson has commanded, for we have had enough of running matters to suit ourselves. If we are to serve the colony as Minute Boys, we must learn to obey orders from the Committee, and not strive to do things after our own fashion." There was no further opportunity for tongue- wagging, because by this time the enemy were so near at hand that we must creep forward to avoid discovery, unless we were minded to attack them, and Richard set the example by scuttling off, under the cover of a pile of hemlock bark, as if bound for the North river. Enoch and I hung back sufficiently long to make JOSEPH MARKER IIQ out the figures of the Tory crew as they came across our course not more than twenty yards behind us, and then I satisfied myself that there were none save lads in the party. Most like the three whom we held prisoners during the voyage from the Jersey shore were among them, and there was a deal of pleasure in the knowledge that these fellows had had a taste of what the New York Minute Boys could deal out when they were in the mood. " If we had kept those villains with us, instead of setting them loose when we came across from Jer- sey, there would be three the less to prowl around hunting for honest lads," Enoch whispered in my ear, and I knew there were much the same thoughts in his mind as had found lodgment in mine. " If those curs will admit that you and I alone took them prisoners, without raising a cry for our comrades, I won't feel quite as bitter because we are singled out to bear the sins of all our company," I replied, and then, resolutely setting my face in the direction taken by John and Richard, lest I be tempted to fall upon the Tories without waiting for my comrades to approve of, or take part in, the squabble, I urged Enoch forward much against his will. Had I but said the word the dear lad would have fallen behind alone with me to give the enemy a taste of our mettle, and, outnumbered three to one, we must have gotten the flogging of our lives, to say nothing of being turned over to the watch after having been pounded senseless. The leaders, meaning John and Richard, pressed forward rapidly, leaving the Tories to go their way unmolested, until having covered a distance of per- 120 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK haps twenty yards, when I saw even in the gloom that they came to a sudden halt at the same time a stifled cry of fear broke on the night air. " They have come upon the laggards of the crew, and we may yet have a chance to give these New York Tories a taste of what Jamaica lads can do when aroused," I whispered to Enoch, as we hurried on to learn what had caused the sudden halt. When we were come up with the leaders my rage flamed out until I was well-nigh beside myself, for I saw that Richard held firmly gripped, as if the fellow had tried to escape him, Joseph Harker, and there was no longer any question but that he had played the traitor by giving information of where Enoch and I lay hidden. I dare not say what I might have done with the miserable fellow had he and I been alone at the moment when his treason was thus made evident, for there was in my heart a desire akin to murder, and, later, I came to be devoutly thankful that my comrades were more nearly in their sober senses than was I. " So we have found the traitor ! " I cried in a fury, heeding not that Jacob's crew might overhear me, as I stepped forward hurriedly, and there must have been much of menace in my manner, for Joseph shrank back as if fearing I was about to deal a deadly blow, while he whined : " I am no traitor, Adam Skidmore ; but as good a friend to the Cause as any other lad in this city." " Then how does it come that we find you at the heels of Jacob Twining's Tories ? " Richard asked gravely, as he tightened his grip on the fellow's collar. so WE HAVE FOUND THE TRAITOR ! ' " JOSEPH MARKER 121 " I wanted to know where they were going." " But how does it happen you knew they were abroad at this time in the night ? " and Jacob shook the traitor as a dog would a rat. To this question Joseph made no reply, and I, unable longer to hold my anger in check, took him by the throat, crying hoarsely : " Tell the whole truth now, or you will never have another chance ! " and I shut off his wind until it seemed as if his eyes bulged from their sockets. " Be careful, Adam! " John cried, as he struggled to loosen my hold. " It would be sheer murder to hold his throat many seconds in that fashion ! " " And that is what I count to make it unless he tells the truth ! " I answered, hardly knowing what I said, so great was the rage within me ; but involun- tarily I loosened my grip sufficiently to give the lad opportunity to speak, and straightway he confessed, most like believing I would carry out my threat even to the extent of killing him then and there. I cannot set down the story as he told it while cringing before me, fearing each instant lest I fall upon him once more, for it was interrupted again and again with excuses for having been so weak, and tearful entreaties for mercy. The terror of the traitor was so pitiable to behold that my anger speedily gave way to shame because a lad could be so thoroughly a coward. He told us that Jacob and his crew had come upon him at the Bowling Green battery that same afternoon, when were but few people nearabout, and, under pretense of rough sport, had dragged him to the water's edge, where was moored the cat- boat we had been so foolish as to leave unwrecked. 122 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK On board her they forced him, and then put out from the shore where it would be possible to work their will without fear of being interrupted. Then he upturned his face that we might see his blackened eye, where Sam Hastings had dealt a cowardly blow while he was held by the arms, powerless to defend himself, and insisted that we strip down his coat to view the marks of a club which was used when he refused to answer their questions as to where Enoch and I were hidden. I could not but feel a certain sympathy for the ■lad, on seeing how brutally he had been handled, while the anger fled from my heart when he told, in a tone which bespoke the truth, of how long he held out against them, and the treatment bestowed upon him. Finally, bleeding and sore, beaten into submission to the Tories' will, he consented to play the traitor's part, and revealed where we were hid- den. From that time, until an hour before we met them, Jacob's crew held him prisoner in the boat, and then set him free, knowing he could not thwart their plans; but he dogged their footsteps, hardly knowing why, save that there was a hope, so he claimed, of our fighting for liberty, in which case he would take sides with us. But for the fact of his Tory father I might have believed the latter portion of the story. I could not put full faith in anything save the recital of his ill-treatment, for which his body gave good proof, because I had distrusted him from the moment of learning from what stock he sprung, therefore it was not possible for me to find excuses for his treachery. It was as if Richard could read all that was in JOSEPH HARKER 123 my mind when the cringing fellow had finished his story by once more displaying his bruises, for he said, stepping as if by accident in front of the lad: " There is no reason why I should go to your home, John, for no more than one is needed to guide the Jamaica lads, and I am of the mind to hold Joseph with me until the other members of our com- pany may know what he has done." "What will you do with him?" Enoch asked curiously, with no trace of anger in his voice. " That I know not ; but will turn the matter over in my mind until I can have speech with our com- rades. I count now on going to James Ffolett's home, and when we two have aroused the others, I will meet you at Master Benson's." It was as if he feared we might make protest, for he hastened away even before the words were fully out of his mouth, pushing Joseph before him, and the last we heard of the traitor were his prayers for mercy, and the recounting of his wounds. I had been sad at heart before we came upon Joseph Harker; but now it was as if I no longer had any hope for the future. When one of our comrades had turned against us, and while the Tories were so confident the king would prevail, it seemed as if the cause of liberty was at its lowest ebb — as if we could never succeed in breaking the power that held us much like slaves. "If our people can but show that they are able to hold their own against the red-coated soldiers ! " John Benson exclaimed as we went slowly along. " It is the belief of such as Joseph's father that the colonists will not stand before the king's men, and if once it was proven to the contrary, there are hun- dreds in this city who would call themselves Whigs, 124 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK as I have heard my father say again and again." " We do not want as friends those who are frightened into their duty to the colony ! " Enoch cried hotly, and John said soothingly, most like quoting his father's words : "If it is shown that there are more Whigs than Tories in the city, our Congress will have the back- bone that is needed. I heard Master Sears say no longer ago than yesterday, that Toryism and timid- ity prevail in the Provincial Congress, and that in- stead of striving to decide upon measures for de- fense, the greater number are working to gain favor with the king by much the same as making excuses for what has already been done against him." Just now, when Enoch and I were skulking across the Common Hke veritable criminals, I did not relish this political talk, and said as much to John, where- upon he quickened his pace, and instead of crossing over to the other shore, as was first proposed, de- clared himself in favor of going boldly down the Broad Way till we were come to Wall street. " By keeping our eyes and ears open, we shall hear the watch before they can get a glimpse of us, and it won't be a hard matter to give the brightest of them the slip," the lad said, and I was so sore at heart that even though he had suggested we make our way to the music of fife and drum, I verily be- lieve I would have agreed with him. And indeed our own safety demanded that we should take the nearest course to Master Benson's house, for the young Tories, learning that Enoch and I were no longer hiding in the shanty, would, as a matter of course, return to the town, either in search of us, or seeking their homes, and if it so chanced they got a glimpse of us Jamaica lads, it JOSEPH MARKER 12$ was certain the watch would be speedily summoned. It was as if the city had been abandoned. We walked boldly through the streets without hearing or seeing any signs of life. Not even a stray dog came our way, and I felt confident, when finally we entered the kitchen of John's home, that no eye, friendly or unfriendly, had taken heed of our steps. What a pleasure it was to stretch ourselves out between the lavender-scented sheets in the chamber which had been shown us as a hiding place! We had not suffered in the shanty what might be called real discomfort, for healthy lads are not to be dis- turbed by such trifles as a hard bed or partial lack of food; but here was absolute luxury, and I almost forgot my forebodings and bitterness of spirit while lying on the bed of feathers in the home of the secretary of Congress. Sleep soon blotted out all troubles for the time being, and not until I was awakened by the en- trance of Richard Mayo and John, when the sun was a full two-hours high, did I realize what might be going on around me. Richard had come to say that he left Joseph Harker in the custody of James Ffolett, whom it was agreed would hold the traitorous lad much the same as a prisoner until the full company of Minute Boys could decide as to what should be done with him, and John, who had already had an interview with his father, announced that while we were forced to remain in hiding the members of our com- pany would not visit the house lest suspicion be aroused. Now it may be as well if I do not make any at- teinpt at giving the details of our life during the 126 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK week which followed. We remained, Enoch and I, in the chamber all the time, save when we went to the kitchen for something to eat, and never a member of the Minute Boys company showed him- self on the premises. Of course John was with us a goodly portion of the time; but it was believed best he should go on the streets as usual, lest his remaining closely in the house might be noted, and once each day Master Benson came, either to give us word from our people at home, or to make certain there was no danger we would be so hot-headed as to venture out in search of our enemies. Then came that day when everything was changed — when the Whigs held their heads high, and the Tories looked disturbed. Word came from Boston that the colonists had stood before the king's sol- diers in a pitched battle on Breed's, or Bunker's hill, and while the victory was with the lobster- backs from a military standpoint, our people had given the well-trained, well-armed and veteran troops such a drubbing as left little chance for any crowing. That which we prayed for had come! It was shown that the colonists could fight as well as talk, and would no longer be possible for our enemies to believe we could not fail of being whipped out of our boots when the red-coated men took the matter in charge. What a time of rejoicing that was! How we lads crowed over what the people of Massachusetts colony had done, and how near did the day seem when we could call this land of ours the home of the free! Without waiting for Master Benson's permission, JOSEPH MARKER 1 27 our Minute Boys gathered at John's house, each hav- ing some story to tell regarding the change in the appearance of those who were on the streets, and every one feeling confident that already had we much the same as come off victorious in the strug- gle with the king. Verily it was a time for Whigs to rejoice, and they took full advantage of the opportunity. Even Enoch and I joined in the general jubilee, for John ran straightway to his father, asking if we of Ja- maica might not venture out on the streets now when the Tories were dazed and not a little ashamed because of what had been done in the town of Charlestown. Master Benson readily gave his permission, and at the same time told John he had no doubt but that we would soon be called upon to serve the colony as a company, therefore we seven lads paraded the streets, walking in couples and trying to assume a military appearance, as we searched with our eyes in vain for Jacob Twining or some of his crew. James Ffolett, who had kept watch over the traitor, now gave him leave to go where he pleased, not minded to spend his time acting the part of jailor when every Whig in New York was making merry. If we had come upon any of our Tory enemies that day, I dare venture to say we might have been accused of brawling on the streets, for certain it is that I would have done my best to square accounts with Jacob Twining and those who followed him as leader. The rascals were too wise to show them- selves at such a time, however, and I grew fat with thinking that for a while they would keep under cover, even as Enoch and I had been forced to do. 128 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK On the next day after we heard the glad tidings from Boston, my father came to Master Benson's house, and I believed the time had arrived when I must go back to Jamaica, for there was no longer any fear our Tory neighbors in that township would attempt to molest me. I was not to leave New York so soon, however, for after being closeted with Master Benson a long while, my father said it was well Enoch and I re- main where we were until it could be learned whether we might be able to serve the colonies as a company of Minute Boys, and then did it seem that we lads were to be given a part in the good work. From the hour word of the battle in Charlestown was brought to New York, our Congress bestirred itself, and those who had talked of trying to curry favor with the king, began to cast about as to what might be done toward defying him. Within a week General Wooster, who was at Greenwich, in Con- necticut, with eighteen hundred men under his com- mand, was asked to come to New York, and we Minute Boys were at Harlem when he went into camp there. He came up to my idea of what an officer should be who counted to measure strength with the Brit- ishers, for before he had been in camp twelve hours. Master Benson sent word to John that his company of Minute Boys were requested to report to the general for duty. Now it must be understood that from the hour the glad tidings came from Boston, every lad who was not an out and out Tory, asked permission to join our company, and we might have enrolled no less than fifty had we been willing to take all who came. JOSEPH HARKER I29 Remembering what Joseph Harker had done, however, we were mighty careful as to who we allowed to call us comrades, and sifted out the eager ones so close that on the day word came from Master Benson, we had taken on only seven recruits. As a matter of course we no longer counted the traitor as a Minute Boy, and therefore our number was fourteen as we formed in line of march at the corner of Hanover square and Smith street, before setting out for General Wooster's camp. We were not regularly enrolled as soldiers, but each member of our little company had signed the Pledge, and sworn solemnly to serve the colony to the best of his ability so long as he lived. More than that was not needed, accordingly as we looked at the matter, for we were ready to work as long as a red-coated enemy remained on this side the ocean, and to obey the commands of whosoever might be set in authority over us. It would have done my heart good if Jacob Twining and his crew had shown themselves as we marched up Smith street to Nassau, and thence to the Boston road. Not that we might have made any attack upon them, for now we counted ourselves as a military company, and could not afford to court disgrace by flogging curs on the street ; but it would have been well for them to look at us who were minded to serve the colony in which were our homes. It had been agreed among us that Richard Mayo should be the captain of the company, and John Benson would act as lieutenant when we were suffi- ciently strong in numbers to sport a second officer; but while we were only fourteen, it was believed 130 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK that a captain would be enough, as James Ffolett put it, " in way of ornament." We had no weapons, and when we applied to Master Sears for muskets, after it was known that General Wooster was willing to accept us as re- cruits, he advised that we make no attempt at arming ourselves until after learning what might be ex- pected of us. " Bring me word from the general that he counts on using you as regular soldiers, and you shall be loaded down with muskets," he said in a kindly way, and therefore it was we filed out of the city with nothing in the way of weapons save our fists, but, as Enoch said grimly, " we could make quite a showing with them if need arose." It may cause him who reads, to set me down as a simple lad, when I say I was as proud as any pea- cock at the moment we marched through the en- campment of the Connecticut militia to the house which served General Wooster as headquarters, be- cause we were of sufificient importance in the eyes of the commander for him to wish to meet us. It so chanced that the general himself was stand- ing in the doorway of the building when we marched up, and before Richard could present him- self he asked, speaking so loud that all who were within a distance of a dozen yards could hear him distinctly : " Are you the lads who were sent by Master Robert Benson, and who venture to call yourselves Minute Boys ? " " We are, sir," Richard replied, with what I thought was a very good imitation of a military salute, and then, greatly to my surprise, the gen- eral asked that we come into the house for a chat. JOSEPH MARKER I31 It would have pleased me better had we been treated as real soldiers, assigned to a tent, and given some military duty to perform, instead of being thus received as if we were visitors; but I soon came to understand that we would have plenty of hard and dangerous work on hand. When we were in the building, and General Wooster had told the man who was doing guard- duty that no other person was to be admitted, he turned to Richard and said in a kindly tone, with none of that harshness I had believed was suited to a military commander: " I believe you lads can be of very great service just now, if you are minded to perform disagree- able work." " We count ourselves under your orders, sir, the same as if we had been regularly enrolled as re- cruits, and are ready to do whatever you desire," our captain said, and it pleased me not a little that he bore himself so well. " How many among you are familiar with the shores of Long island?" the general asked, and my heart gave a great bound, for it seemed certain Enoch and I would be entrusted with some duty of importance, since we were the only lads well ac- quainted with the lay of the land. " Two of our company were born there, sir, and I believe they know the shore of the island thor- oughly well. Step forward Adam and Enoch." My comrade and I obeyed, and I took note that the commander eyed us narrowly before saying: " Do you consider yourself acquainted with the shore of the island, and can you find your way inland unaided ? " " We have sailed into nearly every cove and 132 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK harbor, sir," I replied, after waiting an instant for Enoch to act as spokesman, and then I was both bewildered and astonished as the general said gravely : " You lads can perform the task I have on hand better than could any of the militia, for, not being regularly enrolled, you would not run the danger of arrest as spies, although that is what you really will be if you do my work." He spoke as if we were to be called upon for something of greatest moment, and it seemed as if my heart had literally ceased to beat while I waited for him to consult some papers that were lying on the table, before continuing the conver- sation. CHAPTER VIII CRUISING While General Wooster was consulting his papers I glanced at each of the Minute Boys in turn, with the idea of learning how they looked upon the idea of becoming spies. Richard, Enoch, James Ffolett, and mayhap half a dozen more, showed by their faces that it would please them right well to serve General Wooster in such capacity, and I, knowing what had already been done on Long island, could guess somewhat of where we would be sent, therefore was more than pleased. Four or five of the lads appeared really distressed in mind, as if they were afraid of playing such a dangerous part, for even though, in event of being captured by the Britishers, we might not be hanged as spies, certain it was we would suffer a long term of imprisonment, which, as I looked at the matter, was worse even than death. I made mental note of those lads who were evi- dently frightened, saying to myself that if we did set out on any extremely dangerous venture, I would take good care they were not given any very im- portant part, because, like Joseph Harker, the chances were they could be beaten into divulging all they knew. When General Wooster was ready to continue the conversation, he began by saying what Enoch 133 134 ^HE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK and I already knew, that some of the Tories on Long island were making a profitable business out of shipping supplies to the Britishers at Boston, the greater portion of which was beef, mutton or pork, and it had been said that these same people, who would aid the King in oppressing the colony which gave them birth, had not hesitated to steal, or show the red-coats where it might be safely done, cattle and sheep belonging to Whigs. Now it was absolutely necessary for the good of the Cause, that this business of supplying the enemy with provisions be stopped, and, judging from what the general said, I came to understand he believed this work to be quite as important as that of stand- ing face to face with the enemy in battle. He explained that it was impossible, with the number of regularly enrolled men under control of our Provincial Congress, to guard the shore of Long island so thoroughly that supplies could not be sent away, and therefore it was his idea, as he put it, to station two companies of his militia at Montauk, where they would be ready when needed on the southerly side of the island. He proposed that we lads go from one place to another in the hope of gathering information regarding the shipment of cattle, and this might the more readily be done since the greater number of the oxen or sheep were slaughtered before being put on board vessels. With fourteen boys who, separating, might move about without attracting as much attention from the enemy as would men, it should be possible to learn who among the Tories were doing any great amount of slaughtering, and having found one who was killing a considerable number of cattle, we were to get word, either to the general himself, or to CRUISING 135 Captain Hulbert or Captain Griffing, who would be stationed, as I have said, at Montauk. As a matter of course, it was in the highest degree necessary lads familiar with the island should have charge of the matter, and therefore was it that General Wooster gave his instructions to Enoch and me, rather than to the captain of our company. As I understood his purpose, we were to roam about the island at will, seeking from Whigs who could be trusted not to betray us, the information we needed, or gathering it by keeping watch of those Tories who were suspected of being- in the business of supplying the king's troops, and as to how all this should be done he left it to our judgment. These explanations and instructions required a deal of time in the telling, and we were closeted with him near an hour before having come to that portion which had puzzled me while he was talking — the means of transportation. " I have at my command a small sloop, by name ' The Welcome,' and, in addition, two or more skiffs," he said, again referring to the papers on his desk. " Now I propose that you lads shall outfit as fishermen, to cloak the real design, and when you desire to set ashore one or more of the company, they may take to the skififs. The quartermaster has orders to supply you with such provisions from time to time as may be needed, and it is my desire you shall set out on the work as soon as possible." With this the general rose to his feet as if to in- timate that the interview was at an end, and I, needing further information, asked if we were to carry arms. " Do boys who go out fishing usually provide themselves with weapons ? " the general asked with 136 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK a smile, and there was no further need of an an- swer. " When shall we make a report to you, sir ? " Richard Mayo asked. " As often as may be prudent ; but bear in mind that it will not be safe for you to come here many times. The sloop was brought from Stamford, and it will be well that you represent yourselves as hail- ing from nearabout that place. When can you be ready?" Richard turned to me in token that I should make reply, whereupon I said : " Some time during the night, sir, if so be we can get our stores without delay." " Very well. The sooner you get away the better. In case Captain Hulbert requires your services for a limited time, obey his commands as you would mine ; but I suggest that you confine your operations to the northerly side of the island in the vicinity of Smith- town, and if perchance you do round the point on the southerly side, there is no reason for going fur- ther west than Southampton." Then the general commended us for having formed a company of Minute Boys, saying that to his mind we could be of great service, else he would not have sent for us, and predicting that the day would come when we might take pride in having thus devoted ourselves to the Cause. When we left headquarters I believe all of us, save those inclined to be weak-kneed, were exceeding proud because of having been selected for such work. As for myself, it seemed of a verity that my stature had increased two oi^three inches, for now we were to play the part of men in this struggle against the King, rather than spend our time running around CRUISING 137 the streets of New York, brawling with such miser- able curs as Jacob Twining and his following. It can well be understood that we did not waste many moments after having our work mapped out for us. The sloop, of which the general had spok- en, was lying in full view as we came out from headquarters. Nearby on the shore were four or five skiffs from which, as I understood it, we were to take two. " I believe the command of the company should be turned over to you, Adam Skidmore," Richard said, as we launched one of the boats in order to go on board the Welcome. " You Jamaica lads are most like better sailors than we of New York, and since this is to be a case of cruising, I am thinking to give over my office as captain." " There is no reason why you need do that," Enoch said laughingly. " Adam and I can be mas- ters of transportation, doing the sailorly end of the work when it is necessary, and you will hold the command, as is right." To this I agreed heartily, and fancied that Richard felt not a little relieved in mind, for he was proud of having been elected captain of the Minute Boys, and would not have relinquished the command save that in his opinion it was for the good of the Cause. On boarding the sloop, we found her to be a roomy, comfortable sort of a craft, so broad of beam as to draw but little water, and apparently well outfitted. The cabin was small, with four narrow bunks ; but it opened to the hold by a small door in the bulkhead, and there, with but little labor, good sleeping places for such of the company as were to be quartered for- ward, might be made. 138 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " What is to be done first ? " Richard asked, after Enoch and I had inspected the craft, and there was no need of my hesitating as to the answer. " Get from the shore, if so be it is possible, lum- ber enough to build bunks in the hold. Six of the company should be enough to do the work between now and midnight. Enoch and I, with two to help us, will get the provisions and fishing gear aboard. John Benson must charge himself with seeing to it that there are utensils for cooking and serving the food." " You have laid out work for eleven ; what are the other three to do ? " " You, as the captain of the company, should oversee all hands of us, and the two spare lads can bear a hand wherever they may be most needed. Enoch and I will go in search of the quartermaster, and you had best send a Minute Boy ashore with us so he may bring off another skiff, to the end that you be not imprisoned here. aboard." All this work was begun according to my sugges- tions, even as if I had been in truth the commander of the company, and it came into my mind like some- thing unpleasant, that by thtis taking charge of the sloop as Enoch and I had done, we would be held responsible if anything went wrong, which was by no means to my liking. " Some one must bear the burden," Enoch said, when I gave words to that which was in my mind, " and since you and I are the only ones who can manage the boat, we are forced to stand for it, shouldering the blame if so be we go wrong. I am thinking that before this struggle between the King and the colonists has come to an end, there will be many who, working to the utmost of their ability. CRUISING 139 and the best of their judgment, will be censured by others, therefore we may as well, in this case, play the scapegoat as when we were in New York." There was always so much of sound sense in what Enoch had to say upon any weighty subject, that I was ever heartened by his words, even as now, when but for him I would have become despondent at the very outset, so heavy did the burden appear which General Wooster had placed upon us. The quartermaster dealt out sparingly such pro- visions as he had in store, cautioning us to be pru- dent in the serving of them, and advising that we keep up our pretense of fishing at least to the extent of supplying ourselves with a goodly supply of the food needed. We took on board corn meal in plenty; a fair quantity of salt pork, a limited amount of potatoes; but little bread, and such other things as salt, pepper and onions. There were two scuttle-butts lashed on deck of the sloop, and these we filled with considerable expense of labor, being forced to carry the supply on board in buckets and small casks, thus necessitating many trips to and from the shore. As for fishing gear, we had hooks and lines in plenty for our crew, and a couple of casks in which we could salt down a small portion of the catch, so as to make it appear more evident that we were really striving to earn a livelihood in such way. In the hold the lads worked with a will, forced to make many shifts because of the scarcity of lumber and of nails ; but so far succeeding in their purpose that a good two hours before midnight we had ready bunks for all the company, each filled to the depth of ten or twelve inches with clean straw, over I40 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK which we spread blankets that came from the quartermaster's stores. Take it all in all, we were outfitted much to my satisfaction, for, as Enoch said more than once, he and I had put to sea many a time in a smaller craft, with not one-half the conveniences we had here. In the cabin was a small stove much the worse for wear; but John declared that it would serve our purpose fairly well, and more than that we could not ask. It was as I have said, about ten o'clock in the evening when, having labored energetically and faithfully, we were ready for sea, and I held coun- cil with Richard as to whether he ought to notify the general that we were about to make sail. Neither he nor John Benson believed such for- mality necessary. Our orders had been to get under way as soon as possible, and set about the work according to our own best judgment, therefore did it seem to them, and also to me, that we could best please the commander by going about it without troubling him further. The only person to bid us " God-speed " as we raised anchor, was a sentry, who, coming down near to the water's edge, said in a cautious tone : " Have a care of yourselves, lads, if so be you are bound on the errand I am guessing at. Since the good news came from Boston many of the Tories hereabout seem to be seeking shelter on Long island, and they won't be comfortable to run up against, fretting as they are because King George got a black eye in Charlestown." " Are you certain any have gone from the city ? " I asked in surprise, for this was the first intimation that the lovers of the King were coming to CRUISIUG 141 believe New York would not be a pleasant abiding place. " Four small craft went by here yesterday, with those on board whom I took to be Tories fleeing from the wrath to come, and God grant that wrath may overtake them speedily." I was not minded to hold further parley with the man, friendly though he appeared to be, for lads who were engaged on the mission which General Wooster had laid out for us, had need to keep quiet tongues, especially in the night when it was not possible to know how many might be eavesdropping. There was a friendly breeze from the westward when we weighed anchor, and while not as strong as one could have wished, it was enough to carry our broad-beamed craft along at a fairly good rate of speed; but from the way she handled I questioned whether in tacking she might not make more leeway than headway, being much like a shallow dish on the water. Our Minute Boys, although not claiming to be sailors, made shift to spread the canvas with reason- able quickness, prompted to move lively, as they were by Enoch, who had taken upon himself the duties of mate, and while I stood at the helm he was forward shaking up the amateur crew as em- phatically as the veriest sea-dog that ever sailed out of New York harbor could have done. " And now where may we be bound ? " Richard said, as he and John Benson stood by my side. " I am counting to make harbor in Northport bay, if so be this breeze holds. If not, it shall be Cold Spring, or any port on the Connecticut shore. Since we are supposed to hail from Stamford, it won't look strange if we put in at that town, and 142 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK from there we can cross to the Long island shore whenever it pleases us." " But our orders were to keep watch over what might be doing on the island," Richard suggested, and I replied with a smile, for it pleased me to learn how little he knew of the geography of the country nearabout his native city. " At Stamford we shall be within easy reach of Northport bay, and also, unless I am mistaken, will be able to gain much information which will be of importance to us." " It is for you to say where we shall go, Adam Skidmore, and in asking for information I had no mind to question your movements. However, since you are the commander of this craft, I venture to suggest that the cook have orders to make ready something in the way of a meal, for we Minute Boys have fasted since early morning, as perhaps you may be aware." John did not wait to be prompted further. Most like his own stomach was crying out for food, there- fore he went straightway into the cabin, and soon the smoke which came through the short length of pipe gave promise of that which we so sorely needed. Until the meal had been prepared, our company of Minute Boys roamed fore and aft, pleased with the novelty of being afloat, and yet taking it kindly when I insisted that there should be no loud talking, for I was not minded that we advertise ouf going, in case there were enemies nearby on the water. " You must not expect to hold the lads too sharply in check," Richard said to me in a low tone. " They, like us, are in high glee because of being given an CRUISING 143 Opportunity to serve the Colony, and it will take them some time to quiet down into order." " They shall do it right speedily, if so be I re- main aboard this craft," I said, minded to have it settled at the outset that every precaution was to be taken for the safety of all. " Lads who gain a livelihood by fishing are not sky-larking on the deck of their craft at midnight, nor it is usual for a vessel of this size to carry so much of a crew. You can understand as well as I, Richard Mayo, that should the enemy be near at hand, somewhat of our purpose could be guessed at while so many are to be seen, and they capering around the deck as if never before having been afloat." "Do you count on keeping them hidden?" the lad asked with a laugh, and I replied stoutly : " Indeed I do. Save at such times as we may have a view of the surrounding waters, the greater part of them must remain below, even though it be a hardship while the weather is so warm ; but better a little discomfort now than a halter, or a British prison." Richard was sobered by the way in which I spoke, and understood that my fears did not come because of cowardice, when Enoch added : " Even though there was no danger in our sailing to and fro like pleasure seekers, we should hardly be able to gain much information which the enemy would wish remained secret, unless we carried out the part set for us, and just now he must needs be blind and deaf who could fancy we were fisher- men." " There is no need of saying more," Richard re- plied good-naturedly. "I will see to it that the 144 ' THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Minute Boys behave as you would have them." Then he went fore and aft, speaking to this lad and that, until, thanks to their own good sense, the sky-larking came to an end as each fellow threw himself down on the deck, where he could not well be seen in case a vessel passed us. It was fortunate for us that I had so far asserted my authority as to bring the lads into something like orderly behavior at the outset of the voyage, for within half an hour from the time they were quieted down, and before John Benson had the food ready for eating, we sighted an eight-oared craft, whether water-boat or scow I could not say, putting out from the Long island shore on a course that would bring her directly 'across our bows. Enoch gripped my arm tightly as he gazed at the stranger, which he could see but indistinctly owing to the gloom, for there was something suspicious in a boat of that size being abroad at such a time, and coming from a shore infested by Tories. "What will you do?" Enoch whispered, and I answered his question by asking another : " How would it be possible to do anything save get as good a look at them as we may? We have no orders to overhaul any craft, and could not if we would, while we are unarmed. Go well forward, you and Richard ; I will put the sloop as near as I can without arousing suspicion, and mayhap we shall see that which may be of interest to General Wooster." Our comrades, who were lounging about the deck, hearing the hum of our voices would have come to their feet, eager to know what might be going on, but Richard and Enoch, as they made their way forward, passed the word foi' every fellow to keep CRUISING 145 behind the rail, and the order was obeyed without a murmur. I swung the Welcome in toward Long island to make certain they did not cross our course too far away, thus forcing them to c^ase rowing lest they run afoul of us, with the result that they finally passed under our stern. Therefore it was we all had a good view of the craft, and my heart beat fast and loud when I saw that it was a scow having on board ten or twelve oxen, with, so far as I could see, no more of a crew than manned the oars. Here at the very beginning of our cruise was being carried on that business which we were sent to spy out, and I was sadly perplexed to know what was our duty. When Richard and Enoch came aft, and the scow was so far away that there was no possibility those on board could hear what we said, I called John Benson from the cabin, when we held what might be called a council of war. The question in my mind was as to whether we would be warranted in sending back information of what we had seen to General Wooster, and I laid the case before my comrades by saying: " Those cattle are being taken down the Sound where, most like, they will be transhipped to some vessel, and considerable time must be spent in the doing of it. Now, I am asking you to say if we shall keep on our course without giving further heed, or send some one of the company back in the skiff with information for the general? He has cau- tioned us against visiting him too often, and may not be pleased at our taking the chances of sending 146 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK a messenger so soon, when there is danger of its be- ing known to the enemy." " If you feel certain those cattle are to be put aboard some vessel, then I beheve word should be sent," Richard replied, and both John and Enoch agreed with me, whereupon I said : " Then it is for you to select a messenger at once, for certain I am that unless those beef creatures were intended for the lobster backs, they would not be carried to and fro in the night." Richard turned to choose his messenger, and I whispered softly : " Take yonder lad in the gray coat, with the big buckles on his shoes." "Why?" " I fancied he looked frightened when the gen- eral proposed that we go out as spies, and since we are not like to see the messenger again for some time, it is well to send away him who will be of the least aid to us in time of danger." He acted upon my suggestion, and there was no question but that the lad was more than willing to turn his back on what, as I believed, he thought was a perilous venture. It may be as well for me to set down here the fact that we never saw the lad again. He was so frightened at the idea of spying, that he went on a long visit to his uncle in Philadelphia. The cattle scow was not yet lost to view in the gloom when the lad went over the rail, and no sooner was the boat cast adrift than John Benson announced that the meal was ready for the eating. Enoch brought his rations and mine on deck, and, while the others were below satisfying their hunger, we feasted on bread made of corn meal, which was CRUISING IA7 fairly appetizing when you consider it was put to- gether by a lad who could have had but little ex- perience in the art, and sweetened with a plentiful supply of salt pork. Once their stomachs were filled, our comrades were willing to crawl into the bunks, and within half an hour from the time the lad who was carry- ing the information to General Wooster had left us, Enoch, Richard Mayo and myself were the only ones on deck. A fairly good idea of what danger we might be running our noses into, prevented me from being sleepy, and, giving up the tiller to Enoch, I, went for- ward to act as lookout, feeling that I would perform the task better than either of my comrades, be- cause the responsibility resting upon my shoulders served to make me keenly watchful. I had not been in the bow of the sloop more than half an hour, and we were well off Ferry point, when I made out, directly ahead of us, a small boat which appeared to be in trouble. There was no thought in my mind that those who manned her would be of concern to us; without dwelling overly much upon the matter, I said to my- self that here was, perchance, as good a Whig as any of us, who had come to grief, and we would lend him a hand. Yet I was not so careless as to count positively that those in distress might be friends, but went aft and told my comrades what lay in our course, cautioning them to keep quiet tongues until we could learn who the strangers were, adding in conclusion : " There is no reason why we should not lend a hand, if so be it is needed. Therefore lay them as close aboard as you can without danger, Enoch." 148 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Going back to my station in the bow, I remained there watching the disabled craft ahead, and as we approached it seemed to me there was something familiar in the cut of her stern, for it set lower in the water than any boat of the kind I had ever seen, save that one in which we had sailed from New York to the Jersey shore in search of the Tories. Five minutes later I could make out even in the gloom that a single spar had carried away, and the two people on board were doing their best to rig up one of the oars as a jury mast. The idea that I had seen this boat before grew on me as we crept nearer, moving through the water slowly, because by this time the wind was fining down, giving promise of a calm, and then came the moment, while we were yet fifteen or twenty yards distant, when I knew I could not be mistaken. Going aft as noiselessly as possible, I whispered to Enoch and Richard : " On your lives remain silent when we run along- side that boat ! " The lads would have questioned me regarding the reason for so odd a command; but by now I was worked up to such a pitch of excitement that I did not dare trust myself to carry on any lengthy con- versation. I ran again to the bow, overhanging the rail as Enoch steered the sloop so near the disabled craft that I could well have leaped on board, and as our bow came up with her stern one of the crew cried : " Ahoy on the sloop ! Give us a tow, will you ? " I heard a muffled exclamation from the helm, and knew that my comrades had come to understand what had dawned upon me some time before, that CRUISING 149 this boat was indeed the one in which we had sailed, and he who hailed was none other than Jacob Twin- ing. Disguising my voice as best I might by speaking hoarsely, I told them to pass me the painter. When it was flung I quickly made fast to it a short length of rope which I had noted lying about deck, and carried it aft securing one end, thus giving such a scope that the boat was thirty feet or more astern of us. " Where are you bound ? " Jacob Twining cried, and I replied: " To Stamford." " Let go our painter when you come to Eaton's point, will you? " " Ay, that I will," was my answer, as I literally sank on the deck by the side of Richard, my knees trembling so violently I could not stand upright, as T realized that we had in tow none other than that Tory cur whom I so ardently desired to lay hands upon, and with him, most like, was one or the other of the crew which had given us so much trouble. CHAPTER IX A PERPLEXING SITUATION Enoch was trembling as witK' an ague fit when I crouched by his side, and I knew the dear lad had in his mind the same intense desire that was in mine, to make a prisoner of Jacob Twining, for now was come the time, with troops of the colony at our backs, when he could be held in close quarters, where tieither his father nor his relatives might have any influence. He had been sent to us as if by fate, so we might pay off the debt we owed him, and rid New York of one whose love for the King was so great that he would work an injury to his native land, rather than raise a hand in its defense. We had but to haul in on the painter of the cat-boat until she was alongside, and then board her in such numbers that even though the Tories were armed, they could not offer resistance. It was, as I viewed the matter, a bit of the great- est good fortune that had ever come my way, and I had in mind only the single question of how the capture might be made, never so much as dreaming that any argument could be raised against our put- ting the villain where he would be powerless to do harm. "When are you going to take him?" Enoch asked in a whisper, thus showing that there was in his mind the same thought as found lodgment in ISO A PERPLEXING SITUATION 151 mine, and I replied, taking good care not to raise my voice so high that those in the cat-boat could understand we were holding a consultation: " As soon as you have aroused some of the fel- lows in the hold, if perchance there be among them one who can steer the sloop, I will lead the way, counting it the greatest pleasure that ever came into my life when I lay my hands once more on Jacob Twining." " Are you thinking of bringing them aboard ? " Richard Mayo asked as if in surprise, and it must be understood that the three of us were lying on the deck lest we be seen by the Tories, while I held the sloop true to her course by raising my head now and then to make certain there was nothing of danger in our way. " Bringing him aboard ? " I repeated in surprise. " What else should be done ? Surely we cannot count on holding him prisoner where he is, for a single stroke of the knife would send the cat-boat adrift, and we might have trouble to pick her up." " You speak as if it was already decided upon that he should be taken prisoner ? " Richard said, speaking slowly, as if in deep thought. "Of course it is decided," Enoch said promptly. "If the Tory cur has been sent into our very clutches, would you say he should go free again ? " " He is free now, and as *I view the matter, it would be a most grievous mistake for you to lay hands upon him while engaged in the work which General Wooster has set for us to do." I was surprised beyond the power of speaking to hear Richard Mayo make such a statement. The capture of the Tory could have nothing whatsoever to do with our spying upon the enemies of the colony 152 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK on Long island, and I failed to understand how General Wooster's work might be interfered with by any such move on our part. "What do you mean?" Enoch asked, as if ir- ritated because Richard should make even the slight- est opposition against doing what appeared to be our bounden duty. " There is in my mind the belief that we are not warranted in making prisoners of those fellows, and that we must contrive to get rid of them, without arousing suspicion, before daylight comes. Yet how that may be done I fail to make out, for it is not likely we shall journey so far as Eaton's point 'twixt now and sunrise, unless peradventure the wind sud- denly breezes us." Now was I mystified as well as angered. Richard Mayo had as much cause as either Enoch or I to make of Jacob Twining a prisoner, and he knew full well that such act on our part would be of decided benefit to the colony, for the Tory scoundrel, and those who followed him, would most like find an opportunity to work us harm if they were allowed to move about at will. It was a full half-minute before I was able to force down my indignation sufficiently to make re- ply, and then, my voice trembling with anger be- cause he, by virtue of heing the commander of the Minute Boys, opposed what a few moments before I could have sworn he would have been eager to do, I said : " You are the captain of our company, and as such I allow should be obeyed, since we claim to be sol- diers, even though not duly enrolled. Yet all my comrades asked that I take command of the sloop, and, having done so, while we are afloat I hold that A PERPLEXING SITUATION 153 my authority is equal with yours, therefore in order to force me into keeping my hands off yonder Tory, you must explain why you have had such a sudden change of heart." " What do you mean by change of heart ? " and I could understand that Richard's anger was rising, because he spoke so incautiously loud that Enoch laid his hands upon the boy's lips in token that we must maintain silence so far as might be possible. " Until this moment you have been even more eager than I to serve out Jacob Twining and his crew. There was nothing of hesitation in your mind when we set off toward the Jersey shore in chase of them, and more than once, while Enoch and I lay hidden in Master Benson's house, did you urge that we go out in the night in order to pay off the score those fellows have run up." " Well, what then? " Richard whispered hoarsely. " Do you ask ' what then,' when but an instant ago you claimed that we should not make them prisoners, but, on the contrary, contrive some ex- cuse for casting off their boat before sunrise? " " All that has nothing to do with my desire to lay hands upon Jacob. I would hold myself debtor in any reasonable amount if I might be allowed the privilege of being the first to throttle him when the cat-boat was alongside; but yet do I hold that our duty to the colony is greater than personal revenge, and because of such belief I say again, he must not be taken prisoner." " Why? " Enoch demanded in a fury. " There are many reasons. First we will suppose an improbability, which is that one or the other of those fellows, will, when you hold the cat-boat along- side, suddenly discover who we are, and make his 154 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK escape. What then would be the result? All the Tories on Long island would be warned that we were abroad with a large party of lads, and he who could not guess at somewhat of our purpose must be dull indeed." " But there is no possibility that either could es- cape if we worked quickly," I interrupted, and Richard continued : " Suppose we do as you propose ? Do you not be- lieve that the relatives or friends of those lads would, as soon as their absence was discovered, make efforts to learn what had become of them? It is hardly to be supposed, even though we got under way in the darkness, that our movements are a pro- found secret, and even though it might not be found out at first who sailed this sloop, I venture to say as a fact that rigid inquiry would show such a craft left Harlem. Then would come the search for the Wel- come, and when she was found everything must of necessity be known." I began to understand now somewhat of the lad's drift, and that which had seemed to me a moment before imperative, was now become almost doubtful, despite my intense anxiety to capture Jacob Twining. " Think, Adam Skidmore, how you would be ham- pered in the work by having two prisoners on board, for surely you do not go so far as to say we would carry them back to Harlem in the face of General Wooster's command that we do not visit the encamp- ment oftener than is necessary," Richard continued, striving by argument to shake Enoch and me in our purpose. " Even if we should go back and deliver the prisoners up, do you believe that among all those militiamen in the encampment there is not one whose tongue might wag dangerously for our enterprise? A PERPLEXING SITUATION 155 Every man there would know that two Tory lads had been brought in by us, and even though they were not of the mind to make public the fact, some empty-headed one might boast of it until it came to the ears of those who, following from one matter to another, would come to understand that we were cruising on Long island sound under command of General Wooster." " But it cuts mighty deep to let that fellow go free, when we have the same as got him in our clutches," I said bitterly, and Richard added sooth- ingly : " Do you fancy, Adam Skidmore, that it doesn't hurt me as much as you ? Save for what we may be able to do in behalf of the Cause, I would risk al- most any danger rather than let him escape us now when it is possible to have the cur wholly in our power. But I hold that having promised to do this work, which is of greatest importance to those of our people who are about to struggle against the King, we must keep on to the best of our ability, or be honest with ourselves, and with those who trust in us, by saying we are not fitted to act the part of men, because unable to hold in check our personal grievances. If it be your mind to re- turn to Harlem this night and lay the matter plainly before the general, taking the chances that he will refuse to employ us longer, thinking we are not to be trusted, than will I go with you into the cat-boat, leaving it not until we have those two fellows bound hand and foot. I am not striving to set my author- ity against yours ; but ask only that you look at the matter in every possible light before making a move which you might afterward regret most bitterly." Now what could I say when the lad had thus 156 THS. MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK stated the case? To deal honestly with myself, I must admit that he had shown fully why Jacob Twining and his comrade should be allowed to go their way, and more, for he proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, so far as I was concerned, that we would be the same as striking a possible blow against our own friends by acting in accordance with desire. I understood that Enoch had been convinced even as was I, when he asked : " How may we get rid of them without danger of their suspecting who we are ? " Richard did not answer at once, and now I had come to understand we must let the Tories go free, I realized that it would be somewhat difficult to ac- complish the purpose without giving them cause for suspecting who we were. " I see but one way," Richard said thoughtfully, " and that is to hail them within half an hour with the word of standing across to the other shore, mak- ing the excuse that it is necessary we put in at Horse- neck point." " And what then? " Enoch asked. " Follow the boat later, in order to learn what may be their purpose in going to Eaton's point. I have an idea they are on some mission, even as are we, and it seems our duty to learn what it .may be." " It will be strange indeed if we can follow those lads around on shore without showing ourselves, and once they have discovered us, then will we be in as bad a plight as if they were made prisoners now," I replied, and to this Richard had ready an answer: " If while we are doing the work set us by General Wooster we come upon the lads, so that they have A PERPLEXING SITUATION 157 recognized us, then will it be necessary to take them prisoners, and we can say to the general that we had no choice, but were forced to do the thing in order to continue the work he would have us perform." I understood that it was useless for Enoch and me to seek for flaws in Richard Mayo's plans. He was in the right, and I consoled myself with the idea that it would be impossible for them and us to remain near each other on the island without coming in contact; but I also realized that when we next met, they might have a force sufficient to make us prisoners, instead of our taking them. We lay there on the deck a long while in silence, each turning the matter carefully in his mind, and then, knowing that the new day must be near to breaking, I made ready to rid myself of that fellow whom I burned to have as prisoner in the hold of the sloop. " Ahoy on the cat-boat ! " I cried, speaking hoarse- ly, striving in every way to disguise my voice, and it was Jacob himself who answered the hail. " We must needs stand across to Horseneck point, and possibly may be obUged to lay there during this coming day, therefore I am allowing you will choose to cut adrift from us rather than go so far out of your course." " Is it certain you will continue on past Eaton's point by the coming nightfall ? " Jacob asked, and I understood he was debating in his mind whether it might not be better to go with us, accommodating himself to the delay, rather than make shift to push ahead with his crippled craft, therefore I replied, be- lieving myself warranted in saying that which was not true, since it was for the Cause : " I am counting to leave there as soon as may be ; IS8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK yet we might remain more days than would be agree- able." " Are you working in behalf of the King? " the Tory asked, and I fancied there was in his mind the belief that possibly we were engaged in the business of carrying cattle and sheep for the Boston troops, whereupon I said, striving to evade a direct answer : " I suppose you might say so without stretching the truth greatly ; but we are not at liberty to make public our business." " I understand," the scoundrel said in a tone of satisfaction, and now I knew beyond a question that he took us for friends, which was wider of the mark than he ever in all his life had shot. " It may be I can return the favor, for towing us even this short distance helps out on the journey wonder- fully, and if we come face to face again at a time when you are needing help, and it is within my power to give it, you have simply to make the de- mand. I am Jacob Twining. Mayhap you know my father ? " " I have heard of him," was my reply, and while speaking I prodded Enoch vigorously with my toe, for he was near to exploding with mirth on hearing the Tory thus make himself known to those who were right well acquainted with him. I did not dare pull the cat-boat up alongside in order to secure that length of rope which had been fastened to the painter, lest the Tories should see far more than would be for our good, and therefore cast it off from the rail as I swung the Welcome sharply around toward the north, whereupon Jacob Twining cried : " We are taking some of your property with us, A PERPLEXING SITUATION 159 unless so be you haul up into the wind until we can come alongside." " Give no heed to the rope. When we meet again, as mostly likely we shall in case you stay nearabout Eaton's point many days, I can claim it later." " We are like to be there a week or more," the Tory cried, and I said in good truth : " I shall do my best to find you there." " I will be looking for you," he replied, and I heard Enoch whisper to Richard : " It will be well for him that he does, for if we come upon the cur unawares, he is like to repeni. it." It did not please me overly much, being thus forced to lose what might be valuable time by going out of the way; but there was no help for it, and I noted the weight of the wind with anxiety lest it should fine down into a calm while we were yet so near that the occupants of the cat-boat might think it best to come aboard. Fortunately for us, and perhaps for the Cause, the breeze increased as the morning drew on, and before it was fairly day we were so near Horseneck point that the cat-boat looked to be but a tiny speck upon the water. " I'm thinking we may as well come to an anchor," Enoch said, while I looked about me wondering how we should carry out the plan as given to the Tories, for they could see us quite plainly, even though their craft was nearly lost to our view, and suspicion might be aroused in case we failed of doing that which we had claimed was necessary. " As I look at it, we shall really be losing no time, even though we lay at anchor until nightfall," Rich- l6o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK ard Mayo suggested. " It would not be wise to ven- ture ashore on Long island in the daytime, therefore as well stay here as there, while we must\the same as remain in hiding." Enoch glanced at me, and reading the question in his eyes I nodded my head, whereupon he ran for- ward and let go the anchor, after which he furled the jib. " We will leave the mainsail on her," I cried, and the sound of my voice brought John Benson on deck to stare around him in bewilderment, as he saw that we were come to a halting-place on the journey. We could do no less than tell him all that had occurred while he was sleeping, and until we could make him understand why it seemed necessary to act as we had, the lad was in a fine rage because our enemy had been allowed to go free. Then, realizing all the situation even as had Enoch and I, he said, with a long-drawn sigh: " It was ill fortune to let slip such a chance as that ; but I suppose it had to be done, and now we are to lay here idle until nightfall?" " Ay, that seems to be the fact," I said, " and you may as well set about playing the part of cook once more, for even though our last meal was at mid- night, I am beginning to feel the need of food." There is little need of saying that one by one the members of our company came on deck, and were told of the grievous disappointment, nor need I ex- plain that John Benson served us with as generous a meal as was in his power to prepare. Then, when we had eaten, Richard, and Enoch, and I went into the hold that we might get some sleep, for it was too warm in the cabin, owing to the fire which the cook had been using, for us to remain in that stuffy place. A PERPLEXING SITUATION l6l I was tired. The fact that the sloop was at anchor seemed to have a soothing influence upon me, and it seemed as if I had no more than stretched out in a position inviting slumber, than my eyes were closed in unconsciousness. How long I had slept when Enoch shook me into wakefulness, I could not say, although afterward I came to understand that I had been in the bunk near to eight hours, and then that which the lad said drove all desire for slumber from my eyes. " A boat put out from the shore some time since, and is now so near that I can see the faces of the three men who are in her. One, I feel certain, is a Tory from somewhere in Connecticut, whom I saw in company with Nathaniel Bassett at Jamaica; the others are strangers." " Are they coming here ? " I asked, starting to- ward the door leading to the cabin, and the lad clutched me by the arm as he said: " Wait until the situation is made plain, and then it will be possible to talk with a better under- standing, for you must act as spokesman. Two hours ago I wakened. Richard was already on deck, and you sleeping soundly," the lad said, still holding me by the arm as if fearing I might not wait to hear all his story, which, by the beginning', promised to be a long one. " There was a passably good breeze, and a small boat carrying a leg-of- mutton sail was in sight, coming from, as I should judge, Horseneck point. There was only one man on board, and he seemed bent on making a close inspection of the sloop." " What has that to do with three men who are now coming off from the shore?" I asked impa- tiently, striving to break away from him. l62 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Very much, as you shall see," he continued. " The first man, coming within hailing distance, asked where we were bound. Richard told him that which had been agreed upon, as to our being fishermen, and, luckily for the seeming truth of the statement, the greater number of our company were here in the hold trying to get more sleep. The stranger suggested that we must be idle fellows who would lay at anchor while we might be at work, and Richard made excuse that we were getting our gear into shape. Then he put about, and, watching idly with no thought that we might come together again, I saw him land at the point. Now he is one of the three in the boat coming this way. Richard has sent all the lads, save five, into the cabin, and we have the fishing tackle on deck." I failed to give as much heed to this story as I afterward understood its importance warranted. Having unburdened his mind, Enoch allowed me to pass on into the cabin, which I found filled with the lads of our company, and thence to the deck, where Richard met me as I emerged from the companion-way, showing by the expression on his face that he was ill at ease. " That fellow in the stern-sheets was here — " I interrupted him by saying: " Enoch has already told me the story, and why should his coming trouble you ? " " Because, after having inspected the sloop so thoroughly that it would be possible for him to know her again, he goes to the shore and comes back with two companions. Something of danger to us, as I look at the matter, is afoot." Even then I was not inclined to borrow trouble, failing to understand how the movements of this ' IS THE CAPTAIN ABOARD ? ' " A PERPLEXING SITUATION 1 63 man, who had shown some Httle curiosity regard- ing the Welcome, as seemed only natural on seeing a small craft lying at anchor when a generous breeze was blowing, could concern us in any way. Therefore it was that I waited idly, seated on the rail, not striving to make even a guess at the purpose of the visit until the craft was close along- side, when the fellow in the stern-sheets hailed with the question: " Is the captain aboard ? " " I reckon if there is any such officer aboard this craft, I am he," was my reply. " You don't seem to be very eager for fishing ? " " We are not in such haste but that we can lay off a day at a time, if it so pleases us." " Then perhaps you wouldn't be averse to earning a couple of pounds ? " I pricked up my ears at this, for if Enoch was right in believing that the man in the stern-sheets had been seen at Jamaica in the company of so notorious a Tory as Nathaniel Bassett, it might be possible we could come at information which would be of importance, and replied, striving to appear indifferent : " We would not turn our backs on two pounds, nor would we work very hard in order to earn that small amount of money. What is wanted ? " " We are needing to go to Eaton's point, and would like for you to give us passage. You can fish as well about there, as here." I was near to starting with surprise when he explained where it was his purpose to go, for it seemed as if there must be a meeting of Tories at that place, since Jacob Twining and his friends also were bound there. l64 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Why don't you go across in your boat ? She looks fit for the voyage." " We might be needing your sloop to bring back a cargo." " And count on giving us two pounds for running across there and back ? " I said scornfully, where- upon the man added : " Suppose we come on board where it will be possible to talk at our leisure? I am believing we may come to such terms as will be to your advan- tage." "Send the lads into the hold; fasten the door in the bulkhead, and throw the main hatch over so that they may not see we have a large crew aboard," I said in a whisper to Enoch, and added in a louder tone to the strangers, " There is no reason why you shouldn't come aboard, even though we do not strike a bargain. Pass up the painter and I will make your boat fast." Then I went to the rail, counting on contriving some means of preventing them from boarding us until Enoch had done that which I desired. This was easy, since it simply required that I should fumble the painter which the man in the bow passed up, allowing it to drop overboard, and by the time they were ready to hand it up again Enoch had finished his task. Whether these visitors might be enemies to the colony or no, I did not desire them to know how many were in our crew, for it would look suspicious to see fourteen lads on board one small sloop for the purpose of fishing, and therefore I held them well aft, saying as if it was a matter of little im- portance : " It is too hot in the cabin for us to go there A PERPLEXING SITUATION 1 65 and I fancy you will be better pleased to stay where you can get the full benefit of the breeze." " One place is as good as another until we have finished our talk," the man who was acting as spokesman said, and while they were seating them- selves on the after rail I scrutinized closely his two companions, failing to find anything familiar in their faces. They appeared to be men of business ; looked well- to-do in the world, and had about them a command- ing air, as if they had many servants or workmen under their control. " Now about earning the two pounds," the leader of the party said when they were comfortably fixed for conversation. " We are counting on finding a craft of our own at Eaton's point. She should have come around this way the day before yesterday, but, perhaps, being delayed, has gone directly there. Now if this should be the case, we will pay you two pounds for setting us ashore at that place. If she isn't there, we will give five times that amount if you carry a cargo down the sound as far as may be necessary." " That is what you might call buying a pig in a bag," I said with a laugh. " Down the sound may mean a long distance." " I will answer for it that you should not be obliged to go any further than Block island." I saw an odd expression come over Enoch's face when the man said this, and understood what it meant, for he and I had heard some of the men in General Wooster's camp, say that the Britishers were sending small craft from Boston to nearabout Block island to receive cattle and sheep from our part of the colony. l66 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " And if peradventure we take a cargo of — ■ What did you say the cargo was to be, sir ? " " Well, suppose it was meat — say as many sheep as we could stow in the hold? " "Alive or dead?" " Both." " And only ten pounds for what might prove to be four or five days' work ? " " We won't haggle about the price," one of the others said quickly. " If our vessel is not at Eaton's point, you shall be satisfied with the amount we offer." " I am allowing that we must be satisfied before we start," I said, and the leader of the party asked impatiently : " How many pounds, think you, will pay for the use of your vessel for such a voyage as I have said?" " Not less than twenty," I replied, and he who had previously interrupted cried, as if eager to bring the conversation to a close : " You shall have it, and a couple more added thereto, if the work be done to our satisfaction." Now I was puzzled. There could be no question but that these men were engaged in bringing off live stock for the use of the British army; but how might it advantage us to take them on board, even in order only to carry them to Eaton's point, was more than I could well figure out just then. Besides, I was ignorant as to whether my comrades would be willing to embark upon so blind a venture. In order to gain time, therefore, I said with a laugh: " While I may call myself the captain of this sloop, my mates have as much authority as I, and must agree to the bargain, else I shall not be able A PERPLEXING SITUATION 167 to carry it out. If it pleases you, I will speak with them." " Settle the matter between you as quickly as may be, for we are in haste to be on our way," the leader of the party said impatiently, and I beckoned Rich- ard, and Enoch, and John Benson to follow me for- ward, where, by speaking cautiously, we could con- verse without danger of being overheard. CHAPTER X A DANGEROUS VENTURE I WAS literally trembling with suppressed excite- ment when we four lads stood well forward facing each other, and my comrades were not one whit more calm than was I. There was little need that I should give words to the thought which had sprung up in my mind while the strangers were bargaining with us, the Minute Boys of New York City, to serve King George, for each of the lads was burning with the same desire. If we could, by pretending eagerness to earn the money offered, take these fellows prisoners while they were engaged in the business of running off cattle for the use of his majesty's troops, then would we have done that of which men might well be proud, and great must the credit due us. It prom- ised such glorious results that we could well afford to take extraordinary risks, as it seemed to me. " Well ? " Richard said impatiently as we stood silent while one might have counted ten. " Can it be done ? " So nearly were we of one accord there was no need to put into plain words that to which he re- ferred, and I said, striving desperately to see my way clear: " If it were not for the lads in the hold, I would say we had every chance to turn the trick ; but they l68 A DANGEROUS VENTURE 169 would be discovered. Even though no suspicion as to their being on board was aroused before it came time to take on the cattle, then must they be found out, and most like there would be force enough on shore to overpower us." " Are you counting to wait till we have the cargo aboard? " Enoch asked in surprise. " Ay, that was in my mind, because then would we have proof against them, and at the same time be able to carry provisions to General Wooster, for I doubt not he would be pleased to have such a supply as they count on taking." " How about trying to hide them in the cabin? " John asked after a brief silence. " There is little chance either of the men would care to go below, and, by pretense of cooking, I could make such a rattling of pots and pans as would drown the noise of their movements." " Could so many be hidden in such a small place ? " I questioned eagerly, and Richard replied stoutly : " It is well worth the risk. Suppose these men discover, before arriving at Eaton's point, that some- thing is wrong, what would prevent our making them prisoners ? We could not show proof of their intent, save that money was offered us to run off cattle; but I'm thinking it would be enough to sat- isfy the general. There was less to be shown against Stephen Fountain, and yet Master Sears has had him held in close confinement." Being reminded of this case against Fountain, who was arrested, two days after the battle at Charles- town, on a charge of holding communication with Britishers who were cruising in a small schooner 170 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK for the evident purpose of running off cattle from nearabout Smithtown, decided the matter so far as I was concerned. "If you two agree that we are warranted in tak- ing chances which may land us in a British prison, then I am with you in the venture," I whispered eagerly, and the lads gripped me by the hands as token of their intent, while Richard said hurriedly : " It is certain we shall arouse suspicion if we stay here talking very long. Go aft, Adam Skid- more, and say that we accept the offer." " But as yet we have no idea what must be done, or how we shall act when the proper moment comes," Enoch objected, and Richard added : " This is no fitting time to lay plans. We must trust to finding opportunity for taking counsel to- gether before having come to Eaton's point. Enoch will get word to the lads below, while Adam holds the attention of the visitors." I understood that we could not remain much longer in consultation without arousing the sus- picions of the strangers, for it was not reasonable to suppose we would need spend many minutes in deciding whether or no the offer was to be accepted, and I went aft without further delay, now the ques- tion was settled, thus giving Richard and Enoch opportunity for a few more words in private. " Well? " the leader of the party said in a ques- tioning tone as I approached; " To my mind it should not require many minutes for a crew of fish- ermen to decide whether they would earn, within eight and forty hours, twice as much money as could be made by fishing a full month." " That which caused us to hesitate was whether A DANGEROUS VENTURE \'J\ we would be warranted in venturing so far down the sound, where we may easily lose our sloop, if so be his majesty's forces, or the colonists, covet her for purposes of war." I strove to speak as if I was yet of the mind that we would be taking too great chances by accepting his proposition, and straightway he showed himself eager to convince me we would not be running into danger. " We will answer for it that the king's officers give you free way wherever you please to go, and, with them on your side, the rebels can do you little harm." " My comrades have guessed that you would carry the cargo to his majesty's vessels, and claim that we need have no fear of British soldiers while we are working in their behalf," I said doubtfully, and the man replied emphatically, thus giving full proof of his purpose: " And your comrades are in the right. You are in no danger of losing your vessel to the king's forces, for they will give you good protection against the rebels." " There is little need of saying more," I replied as if I was finally convinced. " We will do as you desire, believing there is more money to be made by freighting cattle, than if we tried our luck fish- ing." " Then in the name of all that's good why do you not get under way?" one of the men cried impatiently. " With this light breeze we cannot hope to make Eaton's point until after sunset, and there is much to be done before it will be possible to begin taking aboard the cargo. Now that the 172 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK rebels are astir in the matter of preventing us from taking supplies from Long island, it would be dan- gerous to remain on that shore after sunrise." Richard, Enoch and John were yet in the bow, and I shouted to the first two that they were to get the anchor, at the same time sending James Ffolett forward to aid John in hoisting the jib. As for myself, I took good care to remain at the helm where I might make certain the strangers did not attempt to enter the cabin, although if they were determined to do so I failed of knowing how it could be prevented. The lads worked with a will, and at the earliest possible moment John came aft, running down the companion-way as if he had pressing work as cook which had been forgotten during the consultation forward. I understood that now was the time when he would give warning to the lads, and literally trem- bled with fear lest the strangers should take note of the fact that he had opened the door in the bulk- head, since it might suggest the need of examining the hold to learn if it was in condition to receive the cargo. Therefore it was I talked rapidly on whatsoever subject came uppermost in my mind, at the same time standing well at the end of the tiller to screen the companion-way by my body. As has been said, the wind was light, and the sloop moved sluggishly, leaving an oily wake behind. We were towing our skiff and the boat in which the strangers had come, and the two craft made up so much of a drag astern that I question if we were doing more than three knots, with the prospect of losing the breeze entirely when the sun went down. A DANGEROUS VENTURE 173 It was this last that caused me the greatest anxiety for the time being. If we were becalmed during the night, it was more than reasonable to believe our employers would insist on going into the cabin to lie down, and in case John had by then .succeeded in getting the lads stowed away in the bunks, the fat would be in the fire to a certainty. Now that we were fully committed to the ven- ture, and I had ample time in which to turn the matter over in my mind, I began to realize how hazardous it was, and how many chances there were against our escaping a British prison. That which I h^d not taken into consideration before, was the fact that we were bound to the same place where Jacob Twining had gone. Who could say that his journey to Eaton's point might not have some connection with the business of ship- ping cattle, or, even though it did not, it was well within the range of probability that he or his com- panion would board the Welcome when we were come to anchor, in which case we must be in an exceedingly tight box. Then I realized how difficult it would be to keep seven or eight stout lads hidden from these three men, who were in duty bound to be suspicious of every odd occurrence, because of the nature of their business, and if they did come to learn that we were other than honest fishermen, what show had we, unarmed, against those who were most likely well supplied with weapons? Do not suppose that I grew weak-kneed while thus revolving all the chances against us. I came to believe we had acted like simples in thinking we might turn such a trick as was proposed; but was minded to bear my punishment like a man, if so be 174 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK we were worsted, and to fight until the last gasp if our intentions were discovered. It was when I had become thoroughly despondent, and no longer tried to engage the strangers in con- versation, that Richard came lounging aft as if he had nothing on his mind save a desire to idle away the time, whereupon I asked him to take the tiller while I went below to see what the cook might have in the way of eatables. " I'm allowing he counts on getting supper," the lad replied, pointing to the smoke from the stove- pipe as he took the helm. " It must be cruel hot in that small cuddy, and one can't blame the cook for losing his temper when called on to make ready food enough for this crew." " What have you aboard in the way of pro- visions?" one of the men asked, and I replied, trembling in every limb lest he should take it into his head to inspect our stores : " Corn meal and salt pork." "What about fish?" " We have taken none as yet, sir. Shall I ask the cook to make you some stirabout ? " " Not any for me," the man replied with a laugh and a shrug of the shoulders. " I will hold my hunger in check until something more appetizing can be had, for I never could be very friendly with that beastly mixture of meal and water." " We have plenty of salt with which to flavor it," Richard said as if he had never known better fare, and the strangers laughed, seeing something comical in the fact that a lad could speak of stir- about as a tempting dish. I thanked my lucky stars that our employers turned up their noses at the bill of fare, otherwise A DANGEROUS VENTURE 175 we might have had them in the cuddy snooping around, which would have been much Hke holding a lighted match to a keg of gunpowder. When I entered the cabin John Benson was clear- ing out the bunks, throwing the bedding here and there on the floor as if it was his intent to have a regular house-cleaning, and in some way this caused me to remember what had been built in the hold. If either of the men should see the sleeping quarters that had been so hurriedly made, as indeed they would if any cargo was taken aboard, then would it be known that we had more of a crew than would go to man a craft like the sloop, and fear must have been written on my face when I asked John : " What can be done in the way of pulling down the bunks in the hold ? They must not be in place when we take off the hatch to put aboard the cargo, if indeed we get so far on our road as to do that." " When you go on deck again, make some excuse for sending Richard to me. We must cook up a plan for raising a racket below here, and I haven't got head enough to do it unaided." " Why are you cleaning out the bunks ? " " In order to hide the lads. They must lay snug, and submit to being covered with whatsoever of dunnage we can hunt up," he said grimly, and I cried, speaking incautiously loud, so great was the fear which had begun to rise in my mind : " But they cannot remain in this stifling place, covered even with blankets, while the weather is so hot." " That is what must be done, else are all hands of us like to come into a hotter place than this cuddy," he said with an expression on his face 176 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK which told me to what lengths he was ready to go rather than take too many risks of detection. " Once stowed away in the bunks they are bound to stay there quietly, or we may as well bid good- bye to this world without loss of time." " Have you told them what we count on doing? " " Ay, and they are ready for the venture." " Even to the extent of laying low under a smoth- ering pile of dunnage?" I asked. " They haven't come to consider that part of the matter as yet; but once in hiding I warrant you they'll stay snug, even though all hands smother, for this business of outwitting the agents of the Britishers isn't what might be called child's play." It shamed me that a city-bred lad could show so much courage while I was the same as trembling with fear, and to try him yet further, I said with an assumption of carelessness : " It is a desperate venture we have embarked on, and the odds are many against us, for even though we can keep eight of the lads hidden where they are like to be smothered, there is yet the possibility that Jacob Twining and the lad he had with him may board us when we come to anchor, in which case everything must be made known." " All that has come into my mind ; but unless it is agreed that we shall make prisoners of these men before having ample proof against them, we must continue on the path we have chosen, no matter what the odds may be." It heartened me wonderfully to hear the lad talk in such a strain, and, cautiously opening the door in the bulkhead, I went into the hold to learn how the members of our company there might be feeling. I found them huddled in one corner, the sweat A DANGEROUS VENTURE 1 77 running down their faces in streams, and to try their temper I asked: " Can you lads stay hidden in the cabin a dozen hours or more, while we are taking aboard the cargo? " " We will, if so be it is possible to do as has been agreed upon," one of them replied stoutly, and I said to myself that if these lads, who would be called upon to endure the greater amount of suf- fering, were in good spirits, verily I had no right to despond, for, save when the blows came, mine was the more easy task. Then I questioned as to how the bunks might be taken down to such extent that an ordinary view of the hold would not show we had provided sleeping quarters for more than would ordinarily go to make up the crew of a fishing craft, and the lads pointed to what had already been done. The boards forming the sides of the bunks had been ripped off without sound of what was being done heard by those on deck. Much of the straw was spread over the skin of the vessel in such a manner that one might have believed we had no other motive in putting it aboard, than to make a dry place for fish, and I came to understand that in this venture of ours the lads would do their full part without prompting from me. Not daring to remain below too long lest sus- picion be aroused, I made ready to return to the cuddy, whereupon one of the company said, as if believing I needed heartening,, which indeed was the case: " Do not fear but that we will do our full part in this business, Adam Skidmore. One may not serve the colony in such a struggle as has been 178 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK begun, without somewhat of danger, and you shall see that we who are forced to remain in hiding will take what is coming to us and look pleasant, so that we succeed in the venture." " Ay, but suppose we fail ? Then will you say that we who decided the matter led you into more of danger than was warranted." " We share and share alike in this business, and since your punishment, in case we are discovered, will be the same as ours — perhaps greater, then have we no reason to complain." I gripped by the hands those who stood nearest, and went out into the cuddy, saying to John in a tone of deepest reHef : " There is no question but that they will do all lads may," and he replied heartily; " Now that Joseph Harker is no longer of our company, I will answer for every lad, that there be no weak knees, whatever of danger or suffering comes to us." " And of that last there will be plenty after you have stowed the lads in the bunks with the blankets piled above them," I said, wiping the perspiration from my face with the sleeve of my coat, for it was cruelly hot both in the hold and the cuddy. When I came on deck once more, rejoicing in the opportunity to fill my lungs with fresh air that was cool as compared with what was to be had below, I came to believe we might succeed in our purpose, even though it seemed as if the chances were desperate, and looked about to see what our lads were doing. Richard stood at the tiller, although the sloop had hardly more than steerage-way on. Enoch was lounging near the hatch, and I understood he re- A DANGEROUS VENTURE 179 tnained there to make certain the lads in the hold did not raise so much of a noise as to betray their whereabouts when taking down the bunks, while the men who had hired us to serve the king were yet seated well aft, where they might get all the air that was stirring. Thus far nothing betokened danger to us, and instead of being content with such a condition of affairs, I allowed myself to cross bridges before coming to them, by sending my thoughts ahead to that time when we would be anchored off Eaton's point, and, possibly, Jacob Twinirig and his friends, having the same business as those who had hired us to carry them across the sound, might step on board. Leaving Richard at the tiller, I went amidships to speak with Enoch, and found the dear lad in the highest spirits, believing we would pull through the venture successfully. " What did you see below ? " he asked in a low tone, making as if he had nothing of consequence on his mind, and I replied, while moving to and fro lest those aft should see I was speaking earnestly, telling what had been seen and heard. " They are doing their part in good shape, and it should bolster your courage and mine, if we are needing anything of the kind," he said, looking at me so sharply that I came to believe he suspected I was repenting having agreed to the wild scheme of thwarting those who were working in the inter- ests of the king, whereupon it seemed wisest to make a clean breast of the matter. " I am fearing what may happen when we come to anchor, and of the chances that sornething will go wrong while it is necessary to keep so many l8o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK hidden below," I said, and he laughed in a way that told there was little of mirth in his heart, as he replied : " We can't play the part of soldiers without com- ing into danger, and I question whether we are any worse off than those who stand boldly up facing the guns of the enemy. Having begun this business, we must go through with it as best we may, taking cheerfully whatever be the cost, if we fail." I walked aft, promising myself that if our ven- ture went wrong it should not be because of my being weak-kneed, since all our comrades were hold- ing themselves bravely when they might well be excused for being timorous, and finding the strangers speculating as to when it would be pos- sible for us to make Eaton's point, if so be the breeze failed entirely. To me the indications were that it would fall a flat calm, and I said as much on being questioned, whereupon the argument arose among them as to whether it would not be good policy for one or more to press on ahead in a skiff, in order to warn their friends that a cargo might be put on board the sloop as soon as she arrived. There is little need for me to say that I favored the idea of sending word ahead, for I hoped by such means to rid the sloop of the strangers until we could get our lads in hiding, but the matter did not turn exactly as I planned. When we were come within three or four miles of the land, and the sun had already disappeared behind the western hills, he who had acted as spokes- man for the party proposed that I send two of my comrades in a skiff to row the three men ashore, as I understood it, and I could not well refuse, more A DANGEROUS VENTURE l8l particularly after it was said that we should be paid an extra amount of money for the service. It stood to reason that I, as the captain of the sloop, must remain on board, and I named Enoch and James Ffolett as oarsmen; but when the strangers came to embark I learned that only two counted on going ahead, while he who was evi- dently the leader of the party would hold with us. So far as our purpose was concerned, this was as bad as if all three had remained aboard; but I could not make protest after agreeing that they should be rowed ashore, although I mentally kicked myself for having consented without knowing ex- actly what was to be done. " It will come tough on you," I whispered to Enoch, ranging myself by his side as if to aid in letting go the painter. " I supposed all three were going, else I would not have been so ready with my promises." " We who pull the skifif will have it no harder than the poor fellows who are hidden below," he said gravely, " and it may be we shall learn that which will be of benefit to all hands." Then he cried out for those to embark who were to go with him, and soon the little craft, carrying two of our lads as oarsmen, and two of the strangers as passengers, pushed off from the sloop's side, forging ahead until lost to view in the gloom, for by this time the Welcome was lying like a log on the water, with not wind enough to prevent her from swinging lazily to every point of the com- pass. When they were gone I understood that he who was left on board must be prevented from entering the cabin, and to such end ran down in order to lB2 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK advise John that a brisk fire be kept up so the heat might be too great to permit of a visit from our employer, and he motioned with his thumb toward the bunks, as he shoved wood into the stove. Then it was I understood our lads were lying like herrings in the narrow beds, and my heart went out to them in pity, for John Benson had stowed the blankets on top of them until they must have been on the verge of roasting. " It Ayas the only thing to do," the lad whispered as he saw the look of pity on my face. " We have got a clean hold, and there was no other place for them." I opened the door in the bulkhead to look through, and despite the gloom it was possible to make out that the bunks, put together with so much labor, had been torn down, the lumber that formed them being strewn carelessly here and there. That no noise sufficient to have been heard by us who were on deck had been made while the work was in progress, seemed little less than marvelous, yet such was the case, and I went on deck again wondering how long the poor fellows could remain smothered under those blankets while the air, even outside, was almost stifling. The stranger who had been left behind by his comrades as if to keep ship, refused all offers of food from me, since we could do no more than give him stirabout or fried salt pork, but asked that I provide him with a blanket so he might make up a bed for himself on deck, and it can readily be understood I was only too willing to do so in order that there might be no reason for his going below. Now came a time of waiting, which to us on deck was most trying to the nerves, and to those A DANGEROUS VENTURE 183 below must have been so many moments of real misery, while the Welcome lay motionless on the water with not wind enough to have stirred a feather. Richard paced to and fro after our passenger had curled up on a couple of blankets well aft, and I knew by his movements how deeply he was regret- ting this inactivity. Better for us the wind had blown a living gale, than that we be drifting about without steerage way, fearing each instant lest some incautious movement on the part of those below should reveal what, for the safety of us Minute Boys, must remain a profound secret. When, about an hour after the skiff had put off from the sloop's side, the breeze sprang up ever so lightly, but with promise of increasing speedily because of the clouds which were gathering, I hailed it as a blessed relief, and passed the word to trim the sheets that we might catch every ounce. From that time we gained steadily on the shore, and an hour before midnight the man, who had been apparently sleeping, raised himself on his elbow to ask if I knew the location of a tiny light which could be seen dead ahead. " It must be on Eaton's point, sir," I replied, and he cried in a tone of relief as he sprang to his feet. " We'll hope so, lad, for I have had enough of this drifting around, and had rather we were at our business, however much of peril there be in it, than • lying helpless on the water while the rebels may be making ready to give us a hot reception." And I echoed his sentiments, though having very little hope that there were other " rebels " than we who manned the sloop, anywhere in the vicinity. CHAPTER XI SHOWING OUR COLORS The time was rapidly approaching when we ought to have had some concerted plan of action, and yet, strive as I might, it seemed impossible to decide upon anything that promised success. As a matter of course, while I remained at the wheel and the stranger kept his station close by, there was no opportunity for Richard and me to hold converse one with the other ; but it could plainly be seen by the expression on the lad's face, as he passed now and then so near me I could distinguish his features even in the gloom, that he was as much at sea regarding what should be done, as I. I had turned the matter over and over until my brain was in a whirl, and could see nothing ahead of us save capture, which meant a British prison, as well as the end of our Minute Boy career. When the light on the shore gave token that we were approaching the first point of danger, I said to myself in despair that we must be guided by cir- cumstances, standing on the alert to seize the first vantage which presented itself, and then go ahead blindly, trusting to the chapter of accidents that we might come out as was our desire. This was a poor reed on which to lean ; but since I could shape none other, and we were so far com- mitted to this dangerous venture that it was impos- 184 SHOWING OUR COLORS 1 85 sible to draw back, it was well to have even the faintest glimmer of hope amid all the darkness of that foolish, as some might say, scheme into which we had voluntarily entered. It was while I stood at the helm alternating be- tween despair and the faint hope something might turn in our favor, that I was startled almost into uttering an exclamation of fear, when close aboard on the starboard bow came a low hail: " Sloop ahoy ! Stand by to take our line ! " My first thought was that the peril which menaced had come before its time, because I could account for the nearness of a boat only by figuring that Jacob Twining and his comrade had been sent by those men whom Enoch and James carried ashore, to make further arrangements for the taking on of the cargo. Leaving the sloop for a moment to her own guid- ance, I ran swiftly forward, counting on striking down these lads when they came over the rail and recognized us, before there was time to give alarm, or, if they succeeded in proclaiming our true colors, to make an attack upon the man who had employed us. " It is Enoch and James who have come back," Richard said as if understanding my alarm, and the sudden plunge from desperation to relief of mind, was so great as to be well nigh overpowering. I leaned against the rail seemingly unable to move in either direction, until the sloop swung off before the wind, and a cry from Richard caused me to gather myself sufficiently to resume the duties of helmsman. " Why have you come back ? " the stranger asked j86 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK with a note of anxiety in his voice, thus showing that he, Hke us lads, was not altogether easy in mind concerning this venture. " There was no reason why we should loiter on shore after landing your friends," Enoch replied, " and when the sloop hove in sight we pushed out to meet her." " Was everything quiet ashore? " the man asked, and one could plainly see that he feared the con- trary. " Ay, sir, so far as we could see. There was no one about, and your friends went inland, after which yonder light appeared." " That is as it should be," the man replied, com- ing aft to throw himself down on the blanket near where I was, and I understood that his relief of mind was as great as mine would have been had we suddenly succeeded in our purpose. Enoch and James remained forward with Rich- ard, and, knowing they were discussing the situation, I grew so impatient that it seemed impossible for me to remain at the tiller ignorant of what was being said, therefore, regardless of the chance that suspicion might be aroused in the breast of the stranger, I called James Ffolett aft to take the helm, claiming that my limbs had grown stiff with remaining so long in one position. Then, when the lad relieved me, I went forward, Richard saying as I joined him and Enoch near the heel of the bowsprit: " Is it safe for us to appear to be in consulta- tion?" " I care not whether it is or no," was my petu- lant, reply. " We must decide upon some course of action, and that right speedily, else are we like SHOWING OUR COLORS 187 to come to grief in a twinkling, for I afn allowing Jacob Twining and his comrade will board us Very shortly after we are at anchor." " But we have no proof that Jacob has aught to do with these men," Enoch said in a whisper, and John Benson, who had come through the hatchway, hearing the words, asked : " What then is he doing at Eaton's point at the same time these strangers have come to take on board cattle ? " " It may simply have happened that way;" " But suppose the contrary ? " I said quickly. " It is well we be prepared for everything that can happen, so a surprise may not upset us. Now then what are we to do? " " Wait to learn how matters turn, and stand ready for whatever comes our way," Richard said as if he, like me, had decided that we must be guided entirely by circumstances. " John shall warn the lads who are in hiding to have their ears open, and at the first alarm come out prepared to do battle." " With their naked fists 1 " I said bitterly. " If General Wooster had not been so cautious, we might have on board weapons enough with which to handle as many Tories as are like to show themselves." " There is little sense in speculating as to what might be," and now Richard spoke in a tone of irritation. " We have no Weapons, and must do the best we can without them. There has been the thought in my mind that if so be Jacob Twining does not show himself, and our lads can remain hidden, we let these men put on board the cargo. It is not likely they will take many with them from the shore when we set sail again, and after getting clear of the land it should be possible to overpower l88 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK them, when we can at once steer for Harlem." There was a chance that all this might be done as Richard had said; but it depended upon our being able to conceal the fact of our being rebels, and verily the fat would be in the fire if, as I feared, Jacob Twining had any concern whatsoever with this running off cattle. There was a precious big " if " in the poor apol- ogy for a plan which Richard had set forth, but so great was my desire to have something decided upon, that it satisfied me for the time being, and lest it should look odd that we lads remained forward talking privately, I went back to the helm. By this time we were within half a gun-shot of the shore, and I asked the stranger if he knew the water thereabout, whereupon he replied, thus show- ing that he had been engaged in this same business before : " You may stand well in, with yonder light bear- ing due south, until within an hundred feet of the bank," he replied, and noting that he was straining his eyes to pierce the gloom, I asked if there was not another signal to be made before we could believe it safe to let go the anchor. " I was looking out in the hope to find our craft here according to agreement, in which case you would have earned the two pounds, and might go your way. She should be in a line with that light." " Then it is certain she is not arrived," I said, " for if even a skiff was anchored off there, we should see the outline of her shape. What orders have you to give ? " " Get the light bearing due south, and then turn sharply inland," he replied, all of which I did, and SHOWING OUR COLORS 189 five minutes later he gave the word to come to anchor. I cried out to Richard to let go the ground tackle, and the stranger, seizing me by the wrist as if in alarm, said warningly: " Learn to be cautious, lad, for the business which we are about is no child's play, since the rebels are on the alert to prevent anything of this kind." Just for an instant I was tempted to make him prisoner then and there, abandoning the rest of the enterprise because of believing that his capture would be of sufficient importance to warrant it. But something, I know not what, checked me even as I would have sprung upon the fellow, and he went forward leaning over the rail, searching with his eyes for some other signal which most like had been agreed upon. A few moments later we saw a tiny light, close by the water's edge, wave to and fro, and the stranger came aft as he said: " Everything is ready for the taking on of your cargo, if so be you still are of the mind to serve us." " How may it be possible we can get live cattle aboard this sloop ? " I asked in perplexity, for really I was at a loss to know how it might be done. " All that will be looked after by others," he re- plied. " It is not certain what we shall take. When my friends come on board, everything will be known." We had not long to wait for this last; it was as if the man had but just ceased speaking when & skiff ranged alongside, with so little of noise that igo THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK it was as if she had come straight up out of the water. I craned my neck over the rail to see who might be in it, and saw Richard and Enoch, each with a belaying-pin in his hand, watching out, as I was doing, for Jacob Twining. To my reHef there was none other in the skiff than the two who had been set ashore, and, coming on board, they entered into a whispered conversa- tion with the leader, after which the latter said to me: " Think you an hundred live sheep could be put in the hold of this sloop ? " and I replied with a laugh, for I was so relieved at not seeing a large force as to be almost merry : " Ay, you could stow twice that number if so be you packed them closely." " Have you got a clear hold ? " " Yes, sir, save perhaps for some dunnage, which can be thrown out quickly," " Very well, set about it at once," he said sharply, and then turned to his friends, whereupon I called three of the lads to follow me as I went down the companion-way, stopping long enough in the cabin to whisper so that those who were sweltering in the bunks under the blankets might hear: " The cargo is to be put aboard at once. Stand ready to leap out at the first token of danger, and have your wits about you." Then the covers were thrust aside, as one of the lads asked: '* Are we like to be called upon before the stock is put on board?" " That is as may be. If matters go well, by which I mean if we are not discovered, it will be SHOWING OUR COLORS 191 a question of waiting until we have got under way again." Then I went through the hold, where was nothing to be done save that which served my purpose, to throw out much of the lumber which had formed the bunks into the cabin, making there such a litter that it would be well nigh impossible for our em- ployers to come below. Because we could not in the darkness know whether any one might be listening from the main hatch, no conversation was indulged in while we thus worked, and when the little cabin was seem- ingly choked with timbers, I called my comrades to come on deck. That those on shore understood the value of time in this undertaking, could be seen when a scow, filled with live sheep, was made fast alongside within a quarter of an hour from the time our anchor had been let go, and the task of putting the creatures aboard was a short one. Four men had come off with them, and while two stood on our deck, the others remained in the scow passing the sheep up one by one, when they were as rapidly dropped into the sloop's hold, until, so we were told, the full number had been taken on board. Before this work was come to an end another scow came up on the starboard side, and from her were thrown the carcasses of perhaps twenty beef creatures, quartered for readiness of transporta- tion. Both scows hauled off as soon as they were unladen, and, to my great relief of mind, no person boarded us save the three whom we had brought from the opposite shore. " You may get under way at once," the leader 192 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK of the party said to me. " This breeze is freshen- ing, and even though your sloop be a dull sailer, we should be out of danger before daylight." I went forward as if to give the necessary orders, and there, after telling Richard in a loud voice to get the anchor up and the jib hoisted, for we had let the mainsail stand, I whispered: " That which looked so difficult and dangerous is like to be a small matter. We should be able to take care of these three men even though they be armed, providing the attack be made suddenly. After we have got under way, and are well off from the shore, do you go into the cabin, and see to it that the lads are let out of the bunks standing ready to swarm up the companion-way. When I call you by name it will be token that I believe the moment has come for us to make the attack. Let all the other lads know what to expect." Enoch and James were hoisting the anchor, and I ran back to the tiller just as Richard and John Benson laid hold of the jib halliards. I could have danced with joy because everything was seemingly going our way, and now if we might hold ourselves undiscovered ten minutes longer, then were the chances so far in our favor that we could well say the task was much the same as performed. The three men were standing on the starboard quarter talking in low tones when I took the helm, and I said to myself that if they would remain there a few moments more we could fall upon them in great shape. Then came the first piece of ill-fortune. Glancing shoreward I saw that a skiff was putting out toward me. Thinking it might be some of those who had just put the sheep aboard, and count- " ' WHERE DID YOU GET THAT CREW ? ' SHOWING OUR COLORS 1 93 ing to make it appear as if I was in full accord with what had been done, I cried out to the men: " Here, most like, are some of your friends com- ing off. Do you count on taking them aboard ? " " There are none hereabouts who have business with us now," the leader of the party said as if in surprise; but he crossed the deck to the port rail just in time to catch the painter of a skiff which was passed up to him, and my heart literally stood still, for even in the darkness could I see Jacob Twining standing in the bow of the boat. " Get aft here and trim the main sheet ! " I shouted hoarsely, and my comrades, understanding that something must have gone wrong, obeyed on the run; but it would have been better had I held my peace, for they passed directly in front of the Tory cur, who was evidently delivering some mes- sage to the man who had charge of the venture. I shoved the helm hard up to swing the sloop quickly around, hoping thus to shake off the skiff; but Jacob was gripping the rail firmly and could not be made to loosen his hold. " Where did you get that crew ? " he asked sharply, and the man, alarmed by the tone of his voice, replied with another question: " What of them ? Have you ever seen them before?" " Ay, that I have ! Those who just went aft, and the fellow at the helm, are as hot rebels for their age as can be found in New York ! " I did not wait to hear more, nor at the moment was I concerned whether the sloop steered herself properly, or ran ashore, for with one bound I leaped into the cabin, crying to the boys to get on deck as quickly as possible, and my excitement was so 194 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK great that I succeeded in ripping off a bunk rail as if it had been laid up there loosely. With this as a weapon I gained the deck just as the other two men, alarmed by Jacob Twining's words, were coming aft at full speed, and in another instant the battle was on. The foremost of the men had that in his hand as we came together, which I believed to be a club ; but when I was almost within reaching distance he leveled it directly at my head. From out of it came a spout of flame, while at the same moment I felt a sharp sting across my cheek, and believed that I was sorely wounded. There was in my mind only the thought that I would strike one blow to aid my comrades, and even while reeling back beneath the shock of the missile I swung the bunk-bar with all my strength, catching the man on the side of the head with a force that sent him headlong against the after rail, where he lay huddled as if dead. By this time the second man was clutching me by the throat with one hand, and struggling to draw from his pocket a weapon, as I believed, which must have caught on his clothing in some way, for he did no mpre than hold my throat in a grip of iron, pressing me backward until I tripped over the tiller, dragging him on top of me as I fell. Even while going down I gripped his right arm to prevent him from using the pistol, and hung on to it with all my strength, regardless of the pressure upon my throat, which was choking the very life from my body. Now it is not probable that more than forty seconds had been spent in such movements as I have described. But in that short space of time all SHOWING OUR COLORS I95 the lads had come up out of the cabin, atid I saw dimly, even while fighting for tny life against this man who was bent on killing me, a dark mass struggling amidships. Up to this moment I had uttered no cry ; but now, realizing that it would be possible to hold out only a few seconds longer against the terrible grip on my throat, I shouted wildly for help, even while putting forth every ounce of my remaining strength to break the fellow's arm across my knee. My enemy understood as well as did I, the value of time just then, and bent all his efforts to choking out my life; but because of being able to use only his left hand, and suffering no doubt considerable pain from my grip on his arm as I brought it across my knee, he was at a disadvantage; yet remained so far the master that a black cloud, in which Were sparks of fire, came over my eyes, when suddenly the fellow rolled over on one side limp and seem- ingly lifeless. It was a full minute before I could stagger to my feet, and then the battle was over. That venture which had promised so much of danger, and where the chances seemed many against us, was come to an end in our favor, and with apparently but little loss on our side. It was Enoch who had come to my relief by striking the man who would have killed me, sense- less with a belaying-pin, and ifl the meanwhile the leader of the party had been overcome by sheer force of numbers, before he could draw one of the two pistols which we afterward came to know he carried with him. All this I took in like a flash of light after gather- ing the senses which had been so nearly choked 196 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK from my body, and then, heeding not the fact that one or the other of the men might recover con- sciousness to make yet further trouble, I cried wildly to know if Jacob Twining was yet on board. " Ay, we have him here, and past all power to do further mischief." " Is he dead ? " I cried in alarm, for I would not that we had the blood of any Tory on our hands at that time, and killing a man in such a fight would seem like murder. " He is lively enough, or would be but for being trussed up in such shape that he must perforce lay where we leave him." " And his comrade ? " I asked. " Sneaked off in the skiff without so much as venturing to take a hand in the fight," another of the lads shouted, and then Richard and John came aft to see how the battle had gone with me. The two men were yet unconscious, and in order to make certain they might not attempt any mis- chief, we bound both hand and foot before attempt- ing to restore them to their senses. All this while the Welcome had been sailing her- self in a manner that must have surprised any who saw her; but now I took the helm, giving no heed to the wound on my face until Enoch, chancing to get a glimpse of the blood, cried out in alarm that I was seriously hurt. ^ As a matter of fact, I was not certain but that such might be the case, for even then the pain was severe, and I bled profusely. The excitement in thus seizing those who served the king, and with them a cargo of sheep and beef, had, so I fancied, prevented me from giving way to the injury until Enoch called my attention to the matter, when SHOWING OUR COLORS 197 straightway it seemed as if I had suddenly grown weak. " Get me a bucket of water, and bring from the cabin a lantern," I said faintly, giving over the tiller to Richard, who had come aft in great alarm on hearing Enoch's cry of fear. All was done as I desired, and having bathed the wound to the best of my ability, it was not needed one of my comrades should tell me it was little more than such a cut as might have been made by drawing a sharp knife quickly across the skin. The great pain was caused by the grains of powder which burned the raw flesh, for the pistol had been held so near, when it was discharged, that one side of my face was well blackened. I was thoroughly ashamed at having given way to fear simply because of seeing blood flow, and hastily tying my handkerchief across the scratch, I resumed my duties as helmsman, declaring that I would not have given thought to the matter but for Enoch's outcries, which was the fact. Now we had time to consider what should be done, and also to congratulate each other upon having come out of the desperate venture with no other damage than could be seen on my cheek, for I was the only one of our company who had come to harm. It was not possible, however, to lay plans for the future until our fellows had given way to wildest rejoicings, during which many a ridiculous caper was cut while the prisoners lay helpless on the deck. It was Richard who sobered the lads by advising them not to crow too loudly until we were really out of the woods, and when one of them asked why 198 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK we had not already come off victors, without fear of reprisals, at least until we made another cruise, he rerninded the Minute Boys that those on Long island who had provided us with a cargo of sheep and beef, must be well aware of our true character by this time. " Jacob Twining's comrade made his escape, which was our only blunder, and one likely to prove serious if they chance to have near at hand a vessel that can outsail this old drogher," he said sharply, meaning to recall the lads to a sudden sense of duty. " We must tack with everything against us until the tide turns, and you know full well how much leeway this butter-box is like to make, there- fore instead of capering fore and aft simply be- cause everything went our way, it stands us in hand to make ready for a battle." " With whom? " one of the lads asked, surprised that Richard should have made such a sugges- tion. " With those whose sheep and beef we are car- rying away. Do you count that the Tories at Eaton's point will remain idle after knowing that their meat, which they doubtless believed would bring them in a pretty penny, has been captured by us, or that they will sit still sucking their thumbs when Jacob's comrade has told his story ? " " But suppose they have no vessel near at hand? " one of the more hopeful lads asked. " There can be no question but that they have skiffs in plenty along shore, and I would guarantee to overhaul this sloop, with the wind and tide as they are, while plying only a single pair of oars. Take my word for it, lads, the Tories whom we have despoiled are by this time making ready, and SHOWING OUR COLORS I99 before daylight we shall have them alongside like a swarm of angry bees." Until this moment I had not considered the pos- sibility of their pursuing us in small boats ; but now Richard had suggested it, I began to understand how reasonable was his prediction. We had gotten off with a valuable cargo, and four prisoners whom I doubted not General Wooster would be glad to have in his keeping; but under all the circumstances there was a long voyage be- fore us, like to be lengthened if the wind died away, when we must fight to retain our spoils of war. All the other lads were as much startled as I by Richard's statement of what he believed to be prob- able, and straightway each was asking the other what could be done to strengthen ourselves. I saw plainly that now was come the time when the captain of the Minute Boys should take com- mand, for he was by long odds my superior in such a situation, as I plainly told him, whereupon he replied: " None other could have handled the matter better than you have, Adam Skidmore, and you will continue in command while we are afloat; but that need not prevent the rest of us from turning our hands to whatever needs be done in the way of defense." " You talk as if it would be possible for us to make any fight while we are unarmed, and certain it is the Tories will not come in pursuit empty handed." " I am not willing to say we are entirely without weapons," Richard replied, and I was at a loss to understand the meaning of his words until I saw him bending over one of the helpless men. 200 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Then it was my heart throbbed with joy, for I realized that these employers of ours would not have come on such an expedition without being well armed, and on my cheek was good proof that at least one of them had a pistol. When Richard was come to an end of searching the prisoners, he had five pistols and what seemed like a goodly supply of ammunition. " Their pockets are filled with money," he said after laying the plunder on the deck where all might see it. " We have no warrant for taking other than is needed with which to defend our- selves, and it is for General Wooster to look after the purses." All this time Jacob Twining had been lying on the deck amidships, as I could see from my station at the tiller, and when I gave the Tory cur any thought, it was to wonder why he remained silent, for I would have said he was the one to make the greatest outcry. After the weapons had been secured and placed where I could have an eye over them, Richard gave the word to clear the cabin of dunnage, he setting an example to the others, and when the timbers had been brought up on deck and made into a covering for the beef, the lad proposed that the prisoners be taken below out of the way. " Til answer for it they won't raise any trouble after we stow them in the bunks, and we'll be needing a clear track mighty soon, else Tm mis- taken in the mettle of the Long island Tories." Jacob was the one first taken up, and as a couple of the lads carried him down the companion-way past where I was standing, the scoundrel, looking SHOWING OUR COLORS 20I me defiantly in the face, cried in a voice that was much like the snarl of an angry cat: " My turn will come one day, you Jamaica rebel, and when it does I'll take good care you're not left in shape to conspire against the king ! " I could well afford to laugh at the threat; but John Benson, coming up quickly, would have dealt him a blow across the mouth had I not stayed his hand as I said sharply: " It is a Tory trick to strike a helpless prisoner, and we cannot afford to indulge in such brutish practices. Let him understand he is to keep his mouth closed, or we will gag him once more." " He should have his wind partially shut off now," Enoch cried angrily. " If we are to have the whole brood of Eaton's point Tories alongside, we cannot afford to give him the chance to encourage them by telling how short we are of weapons." " Leave him as he is until it becomes necessary to do otherwise," I said in a tone of command, and all the thanks I got for being thus merciful was a look from Jacob that would have stricken me dead, had it only depended upon his will. CHAPTER XII A RUNNING FIGHT Jacob was put into one of the bunks nearest the stove, and I do not beHeve this location was hit upon by chance, for it was John Benson who selected it, and he knew full well that while he was at work as cook it would be a most uncom- fortable place. It was not for me to do aught toward making the Tory lad's imprisonment less painful. Two of our captives must lie on that side the cabin, and when it came to showing favors I would have been more inclined to bestow them upon the men whom we had tricked, rather than on the lad who had done all within his power to work us an injury. When Jacob was safely stowed in the bunk, our Minute Boys set about carrying the three men below, and the first to whom they gave attention was the leader. He had made no outcry from the time the battle ended in his defeat, but now when Richard and Enoch were about to take him into the cabin, he said in the tone of one who asks a favor : " I would have speech with your captain, if so be there is nothing in your plans to prevent." " It is Richard to whom he should talk," I said when Enoch looked inquiringly toward me, and the prisoner added grimly: " So far as I can make out, you are the leader here." 202 A RUNNING FIGHT 203 " Only the captain of the sloop/' I replied, not thinking it necessary to go into details as to our company of Minute Boys. " Then I would have speech with both of you, if it so be the command is divided," and, without waiting for word from me, the lads sat him down on the deck, with his back against the side of the companion-way, where he could look me in the face. " He would be a blind man who could not see by this time that you lads favor the colonists," the prisoner began in a business-like tone. " You have done a good piece of work this night, and I and my friends have reason to feel ashamed because we allowed the wool to be pulled over our eyes so com- pletely." " Was it simply to praise us for your own mis- fortunes that you desired speech with me? " I asked, impatient because he would thus parley when I was atremble with nervousness lest those from Eaton's point, whom we had good reason to believe would come in pursuit, might suddenly appear. " I would have you first realize what a good haul you have made, even though you had no more than carried the sheep and the beef to your people." " How may that advantage you, even though we set a greater store by it than we are warranted in doing?" " It is this way," the prisoner replied, and from the tone of his voice one would have thought he was a friend of ours seeking to do some favor. " There is enough of honor in this night's work to satisfy the greediest lad, even though he had not taken prisoners. The question I would put is, whether it might not be to your advantage to set a 204 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK price upon our liberty, rather than enjoy the satis- faction of carrying us wherever it may be your purpose ? " " Meaning that you would bribe us lads to set you free ? " I cried sharply. " There is no reason why so harsh a word should be applied to it. I am willing to buy our freedom; eager to give considerably more than a fair price, if so be you allow us three liberty to go over the rail into our boat." " You forget that we might take whatsoever of" money you have without rendering any service for it," Richard interrupted, and the man shook his head as if to say he was not so foolish. " I am well aware that whatsoever we have about us belongs to you by right of having made the cap- ture, and the fees we are willing to pay shall come from some other source." I was not minded to let this man, who treated me as his equal, plead with the idea that we might finally agree to his proposition, and therefore said, speaking roughly without intending so to do : " It is useless for us to parley longer, sir, for my part, and I believe I can speak for all in our com- pany, we are not to be bribed, however great a sum of money you might be able to pay. We must carry you to General Wooster's camp, for by doing otherwise we should show ourselves little better than pirates, whereas we claim to be lads who are striv- ing to do whatsoever we may to aid the Cause." " But you will surely be doing it no harm by allowing my friends and me to go free," he said pleadingly, and I motioned Enoch and Richard to take him below, for it was really painful to stand A RUNNING FIGHT 205 in front of this helpless man, hearing him beg for that which is so dear to us all. Because he had talked with us as man to man, not seeking to bully or threaten, I had great sym- pathy for him, and would have been only too well pleased could we have put him ashore without de- parting from the strict path of duty, never taking a cent of his money, even that which he had about his person. The lads carried him into the cabin, and I was pleased to see that he had been stowed in the bunk opposite Jacob Twining, where, if a prisoner could have any of comfort, it would be his. When the other two men were taken up in turn, I feared lest the same scene would be repeated, and spoke sharply to Enoch, telling him that we could not afford to waste time, since no one might say how soon enemies would heave in sight. To my relief, however, not a word was spoken. The men held their peace while being carried into the cabin, and once there the leader, or at least he whom I judged was in command of the party, and could see me as I stood at the tiller, cried out : " Is it forbidden us to talk one with the other ? " " So that you do not make any outcry in case your friends give chase, talk as long as you please," I replied, and then for Jacob Twining's benefit added, " At the first attempt to give informa- tion to those who may come in pursuit, it will be necessary for us to stop your mouths with gags, unpleasant as that would be to you as well as me." " We are not so foolish as to kick when there is nothing to be gained by it," the man replied in a 206 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW. YORK friendly tone. " You have got us by the heels^ and, unless we can make a fair trade, it would be senseless in us to do otherwise than obey orders. But, however, you must understand that we do not give our parole, and in case of an opportunity to escape, shall take advantage of it." " We will see that nothing of the kind offers," Richard replied, and then he, with half a dozen of our comrades, gathered around me to discuss what steps we could take toward defending ourselves when the attack, which we fully expected, should be begun. As I have said, we had five pistols, with a fairly good supply of ammunition, and not choosing to lay any claim to one of the weapons, because of being in command of the sloop, I proposed that we draw lots, to see which five members of the company should take possession of them. Richard looked around to learn if this were satis- factory to the others, whereupon one of the lads cried : " Give the weapons to those who have thus far done the most work, and the rest of us will do what we may toward fashioning some of this lum- ber into clubs." " Suppose you distribute the pistols," Richard said quickly, and without waiting to see what those nearest around him might say to the plan, the lad took the weapons from the deck, giving one to Richard, another to me, and the remaining three to Enoch, John Benson and James Ffolett. I asked if this was satisfactory to all, and the reply which came was so hearty that there could be no mistake regarding the matter, which was in the highest degree pleasing to me, since it showed that "A RUNNING FIGHT 20/ our comrades had full confidence in us who had really taken the lead in all the work. Those who were not thus armed set about over- hauling lumber that had been used for the bunks in the hold, until each had a club, which, in case of a battle at close quarters, would be of no little service. By the time all this had been done, the darkness of night had gradually given way to the gray of morn- ing, until it was possible for us to have a good view in either direction, and then, far away toward Eaton's point, could we see several tiny specks on the water, which I reckoned to be boats. The wind had remained much as when we set sail, and the flat-bottomed sloop was making but little advance with the tide against her, for, as Enoch said laughingly, she sailed faster sideways than bow foremost. However that might be, we were a good three miles away from our point of departure, and when the tide turned, as it would within an hour, I counted that we might possibly succeed in sailing quite as fast as a skiff could be rowed with a pair of oars. That we would not be allowed to get off with our prizes, save at the expense of a fight, I believed positive, unless peradventure some vessel manned by our people should come down the sound, and there was little hope anything of the kind would happen. There was nothing we could do to give speed to the sloop; we were at the mercy of the wind and tide, and when our enemies came up we must stand them off as best we might, or take our turn at playing the part of prisoners, which would not be overly pleasant with Jacob Twining as the jailor. "If so be we do come to close quarters with the Tories, there is good chance the reports of the 2o8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK weapons will bring ofif from the Long island shore every lover of the King, and we are like to find more around us than come from Eaton's point," Enoch said in a low tone, as he alternately gazed astern, and on the larboard hand. This was a possibility I had failed to take into my reckoning, and now the lad had suggested it my heart sank, for I could well understand that we might have such a swarm afoul of us as would shut ofif all hope of escape, " We must keep what we have got," Richard said in a tone of determination, and I added : " So we will as long as there is enough of strength in our bodies to permit of raising a hand in de- fense!" Although I had yet all of life before me, it seemed just then as if death would be easier than to be beaten in the very moment of a glorious victory, and then thrust into a British prison to die by inches. The worst of it all was that we could do nothing toward gaining a refuge, save handle the butter-box of a sloop to the best of our ability, and it was exceeding hard on one's nerves to stand at the tiller watching the cltimsy craft make more leeway than headway. John Benson and Enoch went into the cabin to prepare something in the way of breakfast, and I could well understand how sorely the prisoners would suffer when a fire was built in the stove, for the morning gave promise of a hot day. However, they could do no less than take what came their way, and I reproached myself for per- mitting anything like sympathy for a Tory to enter my heart, since nothing in the way of suffering could A RUNNING FIGHT 20$ be too great for those who would willingly aid the King as against their own neighbors. Before the morning meal was ready we could make out plainly the boats astern, for now those which had been no more than specks upon the water, had come so near as to have the form of skiffs, each pulled by two men, and with from three to four others on board who were, most likely, counting on besting us. " There are not less than twenty-five of them," I said in a low tone to Richard, and he replied grimly : " And we count up fourteen, all of whom can fight more honestly than they, because of a righteous cause, therefore we should be a match for them. What gives me the greatest concern, Adam Skid- more, is that as soon as they have come within range, every attempt will be made to pick off the helmsman." " When that has been done, Enoch can take my place, and if he in turn is knocked out, some of you should make shift to handle the sloop. As I reckon, we are the same as safe once we make Throgg's neck, for they will not dare chase us any nearer the encampment." i When breakfast was ready the pursuers were yet some distance astern, and Enoch said cheerily, as he portioned out the food to each one : " Eat heartily so you may be able to fight the better, for an empty stomach is no bolster to cour- age." I believe now, after so many years have gone by, it was well for us lads to count it certain a battle was close at hand, for we thus had ample time in which to turn over in our minds all that would come 2IO THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK to us if we were taken prisoners after having played such a trick upon the King's friends, and therefore could strengthen our knees when they gave token of weakening, by thinking of the price we must pay for being beaten. It was near to ten o'clock in the morning when the running fight was opened by a musket shot from the foremost boat ; but the enemy was not yet with- in range, as I saw by glancing over my shoulder. The missile struck a good fifty feet astern of the sloop, and our lads set up a shout of derision for those who would thus waste a charge of powder so foolishly. " In the eyes of real soldiers, we may count only as so many boys who ought to be tied to their mothers' apron-strings," Richard said to me while the lads were laughing ; " but I hold to it that those lads could not show more of courage if they had worn the uniform of the colonies these five years." Then it was that I proposed the lads should lie flat on the deck, screening themselves behind the sloop's rail, until such time as it might be necessary to repel boarders, and every member of the com- pany cried out against seeking shelter when the helmsman must stand unprotected, a target for all the fire. " Better one should stop a bullet, than for half a dozen to be disabled," I cried, heartened wonder- fully by their care for my safety. " We must be as careful of ourselves as of the ammunition, so there may be enough on their feet when the real work begins." Without further protest the lads threw themselves on the deck as I had suggested, and I took great pride in standing erect, though it required all the A RUNNING FIGHT 211 courage I could muster to do so, knowing full well that every shot would be aimed at me. Now it is not my purpose to make it appear that I was any more brave than my comrades. It so chanced, because of my better knowledge of seaman- ship, that I must stand at the helm, and any other in that company of Minute Boys would have made as good, if not a better, show than I, who was forced to keep constantly in mind the fate that would be mine if those Tories captured the sloop. The wind held as when we started; but the tide was beginning to turn, and I fancied the pursuing boats came up less quickly, though we were yet a long distance from safety when the first bullet struck aboard, burying itself in the companion-hatch. " Do you count on allowing us to be killed ? " one of the prisoners shouted,' as he saw the splinters fly from the hatch, and I replied with no little of mirth : " It was your friends who fired the shot. I am agreed that they need not do so; but since your quarters are in range of their bullets, I fail to un- derstand how I can better the situation." " Why don't you close the hatch ? " " Because you would be the same as stifled, for one reason, and then again, we are not bound to protect you at our own expense," I replied, as a happy thought came into my mind, and added, " Why not let your friends know that if they fail of hitting me one of you stands a good chance of getting killed ? " " How can we say anything to them while lying helpless here? " the man screamed, and it was plain to be seen that the single bullet which came so near entering the cabin had made a coward of him. 212 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK " Come aft, Richard and Enoch," I shouted. " One of these gentlemen wishes to speak with his friends astern, and there is no reason why he should not be given the privilege." " I'm not certain that we're warranted in expos- ing ourselves to their fire simply for the sake of gratifying the whim of a Tory," Richard grumbled, as he crept aft at Enoch's heels, taking good care not to show himself above the rail. " There's little chance they will fire while he stands in front of you," I replied, feeling more like laughing than crying just at that moment. " Take him out where he can have speech with them, and then I'm thinking they won't strive so hard to pick off the helmsman." When the lads went into the cabin, the prisoner who had shown the white feather was not disposed to be taken on deck, for he came to understand that we were willing to accommodate him only because our own danger might be lessened ; but when Enoch declared that we would not close the companion- hatch, no matter how hot the fire, he decided to make an appeal to the pursuers. The lads brought him up the companion-way, and I, turning to face the enemy, shouted : " One of your friends whom we hold prisoner wishes to have speech with you." The words must have been heard distinctly, yet three shots were fired at the same instant, and the bullets whistled so near the prisoner that he screamed with fear, thus calling the attention of his friends to the situation more quickly than words could have done. " Ahoy in the boats ! " he shouted, in a voice trembling with fear. A RUNNING FIGHT 2 1 3 " Is that you, Master Pike? " came from the fore- most craft, and the prisoner replied irritably : "Of course it is, as you must know full well! There are four of us held prisoners in the cuddy, and every shot you send over this vessel's stern is like to enter there, thus putting us in great danger." " If we count on capturing the sloop we can't be overly nice in sending bullets aboard," the man in the boat replied, and these words served to throw our prisoner into a rage. " You should be able to range alongside, where you can aim across the decks, rather than fore and aft ! " he screamed, and I could see by the expression on the faces of his friends that they were not well pleased at such an exhibition of cowardice, there- fore thought it well the interview should end then and thefe. " Take him below again," I said to Enoch, and added for the benefit of those in the boats, " Now it is known the prisoners are likely to suffer from musket-fire, and we are powerless to prevent it, we need have no further concern in the matter." Strange though it may seem to him who reads, this little trick of allowing the prisoner to warn his friends served to give us considerable of an ad- vantage in the race. The foremost pursuers, con- fused by the peremptory command of one whom they were evidently accustomed to obey, held back until all the boats were in a cluster, that they might decide upon some other course of action, and, as a matter of course, the sloop continued to forge ahead. We were almost out of range when the enemy had come to an understanding, and then, instead of continuing the chase directly in our wake, they 214 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK pulled off on a diagonal course, as if counting to get ahead of us. I understood that this was done in order that they might obey the command which had been given to shoot across our decks, rather than fore and aft; but it did not trouble me greatly, for, so far as concerned myself, I would be in the same danger from one direction of fire as another. However, it served to let us gain something in distance over them, which was of no slight value when we counted every minute as so much of benefit to us, for although I had little hope aid could come, there was yet the possibility that a ves- sel manned by true colonists would show herself before we were captured. Then my heart seemed to stand still when I realized that the wind was lessening in weight, and it was well within the range of probability that we might be becalmed by noon; but I said nothing to my comrades who, now that the Tories no longer amused themselves by firing at us, were moving about the deck at will. We had left the main hatch off that the sheep might get air enough to keep them alive, and the din of their constant bleating, together with the hum of conversation from the cabin, and the creaking of oars as the enemy forged abreast of us, was like to drive me crazy. Then came a shot from a boat which had worked along to starboard of us until it was possible to fire as the prisoner had directed; but I put an end to such sport by sending the sloop on the other tack, never thinking of the skiff on the larboard bow, until a cry of alarm from those forward caused me to look in that direction. A RUNNING FIGHT 21$ Her crew had, when we came about, been brought close aboard without effort on their part, and in order to prevent the craft from being run down, as well as to give them opportunity to board us, the men laid hold of our anchor, which was hanging outboard. One of the Tories, depending upon his compan- ions to hold the skiff steady, had raised himself until he could level his musket over the rail, and even as I sprang forward he fired. One of the lads nearest me cried out with pain as he sank to the deck, but whether dead or badly wounded I could not say, for there was only in my mind a fierce desire to kill the villain who had shed the first blood. My pistol was already loaded, but I was forced to prime it afresh before discharging, and in that short interval of time both Enoch and John had emptied their weapons. Two of the Tories were so badly hurt as to be out of the fight, but the others began to scramble over the rail, muskets in hand, and then it was that the clubs of the Minute Boys came into play. Never one of the lads hung back, but all went to work with a will, regardless of what the enemy might do in the way of shooting, swinging the clubs as if threshing wheat, and more than one of the Tories going overboard with a cracked skull, else were the heads of the villains thicker than ordinary. Their skiff was, as I have said, directly under our overhanging anchor, and, quick to take advantage of the opportunity, Enoch let go the cable, thus dropping the heavy iron directly on the rail of the boat. As a matter of course the light craft sank be- 2l6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK neath the surface with a sphntered rail in a twink- hng, and the sloop swung around, being anchored as she was, until that boat which had been to star- board of us, was brought close alongside, where- upon the bullets sang over our heads like a swarm of angry bees. Fortunately for us the missiles went wild, owing to the excitement of the enemy, and I shouted for those whose pistols were loaded to take careful aim at the Tories before they could recharge their weapons. Three reports followed my command, but some of us shot poorly, for only one man was wounded, and then came a race between us as to who could reload first. " Look after those whose craft you sank, Enoch ! " I shouted, fearing lest the lad might give all his at- tention to the boat on the starboard quarter, and he cried in reply: " There are none this side who care to come aboard just now, for it is a case of swimming to other boats if they would save their worthless lives." " Get your anchor ! " I screamed. " We will take care of these fellows ! " There was little need for me to give this command, as I afterward learned, for Enoch had already set some of the lads who had no other weapons than clubs, to the task, and before either side could open fire, the sloop was swinging around in the wind until there was every chance she would be headed straight back in the direction from which we had come. There was nothing for me to do save take the helm again, and as I did so a volley of bullets came from a crew astern of us, two of them finding their A RUNNING FIGHT 217 way through the open door of the cuddy, causing the weak-kneed prisoner to shriek with fear, while a third went through the sleeve of my coat. I strove to re-charge my pistol even while cling- ing to the tiller, but, finding it impossible to perform both tasks at the same time, shouted for one of the lads who was armed only with a club to take the weapon and do what execution he might. " Take careful aim! " I cried, as he began charg- ing the pistol, " and do not fire until you are certain of bringing down your man." " I can't shoot more wildly than they are doing," he replied cheerily, and I could have hugged him because of the courage he was showing. By this time Richard had discharged his weapon at those in the boat directly astern, and there was a savage joy in my heart as I saw one of the oarsmen topple over across the rail until his companions were forced to give all their attention to him lest he over- set the craft. Now it seemed to me as if the bullets were com- ing inboard like a shower of hail. The prisoners in the cuddy were striving to make their voices heard by the Tories; the sheep were kicking up a terrible din; our lads were shouting as if to animate each other, and, take it all in all, we were making such a tumult as must have been heard on either shore. " It will be strange if friend or foe don't come out to take a hand in this row ! " I cried to the lad who was taking aim over the rail with the pistol I had given him, and he replied, quite as cheerily as before : " We are not needing friends, for we can beat off this crew unaided, unless they all come over the rail at the same time, and I'm not so certain It will make 2l8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK very much difference if a few more of the King's friends arrive while we're in the mood for fighting." "That's the way to talk!" Richard, who had overheard the words, shouted, as he discharged his pistol with careful aim, and I, not so positive that we could win the battle, gazed forward to see whether the sloop might be making any headway, or if we were only the sport of the tide. CHAPTER XIII A LAND EXPEDITION One might accuse me of trying to belittle the enemy and glorifying ourselves, when reading of the number of bullets which came across our deck without doing injury to us; but yet such is the absolute truth, and I can only account for it on the ground that the Tories, being so much lower on the water than were we aboard the sloop, and also disturbed by the movements of their craft, could not get fair aim. It is also a fact that no less than five of our shots had taken such effect that an equal number of the foe were out of the fight, in addition to the crew of the boat that had been sunk, who swam ashore, not being able to find places in the other craft. Therefore it was that when it seemed as if the sloop was remaining stationary on the water, we liad considerably the best of the battle, and stood fair show of winning unless reinforcements came for the Tories. Why it was none of the King's friends put off from the shore to aid those of their political faith, I fail utterly of understanding, for we must have been both seen and heard by many, while those who gained the land after their skiff had been sunk could not have failed to spread the news. However, just at that time I was not worrying because other Tories did not come out to take a hand 219 220 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK in the battle. What concerned me more nearly was as to whether we were making any headway, and to my great relief of mind I soon came to understand that the sloop was moving reasonably fast, thanks to the flow of the tide, even though the wind was hardly more than strong enough to fill her sails. It was necessary the Tories should labor at the oars to keep position on either side, and, consequent- ly, the number of combatants was reduced by just so many as handled the boats. I had succeeded in making myself very comfort- able in mind regarding the outcome, believing we would beat them off speedily, when I noted that Richard no longer re-charged his pistol, but ran to and fro brandishing a club, as he encouraged our comrades by his cries, and when he came near that I might speak so he could hear without my being forced to shout, I asked sharply : " Why do you hold your fire ? Lead, not noise, is what those fellows need if we are to carry this cargo to Harlem." " My ammunition is spent," he whispered in my ear. " Enoch has two charges left, and John only one. I know not how well the others may be off; but it stands to reason they cannot have very much remaining, and I am only hoping to make the Tories believe our courage holds good, till the wind in yonder cloud pulls us out of the scrape." He pointed to the eastward while speaking, and, following the direction of his outstretched finger, I saw that which gave speedy promise of both wind and rain. Heavy black clouds were massing in the sky, sweeping down upon us, and there was no question but that a summer tempest of thunder and lightning would soon burst. A LAND EXPEDITION. 221 I had kept my gaze fixed on the course we must sail in order to gain General Wooster's camp, and, therefore, had failed of seeing what would put a speedy end to the battle. The Tories, having most like kept a sharper watch than had I, now understood they must make haste if the sloop was to be captured, and the boats headed directly for us, as if in pursuance of some concerted plan. " They will try to carry us by boarding ! " I shouted, as if fancying my comrades could not see that which was so apparent, and hurriedly I lashed the tiller, knowing full well I would be sorely needed in case any number succeeded in gaining a foot-hold on the deck. I saw Richard run from one lad to another, as if giving some command, and, later, came to under- stand that he was cautioning those who yet had a charge of ammunition remaining, to hold their fire until the enemy should be close under the rail, where the bullets could not fail of taking effect. Now it was that the Tories ceased firing; our lads no longer shouted, but stood with bated breath waiting for what must prove their undoing, or a complete victory, while it seemed to me as if even the sheep in the hold remained silent. I found, lying near the break of the deck, a piece of timber four or five feet long. There was no time in which to fashion it into a better weapon, and with this poised as a pike, I stood ready to thrust at the first who should make an attempt to come over the rail. Nearer and nearer the boats approached, until they were so close alongside that had we been armed with heavy rocks, it would have been a simple mat- 222 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK ter to crush the small craft, and then Richard gave the word to fire. Three shots rang out. Two men tumbled off the thwarts with cries of pain, and the boarders were upon us. I made a savage thrust at one man whose head appeared above the rail near where I was standing, and at the same instant the sloop heeled over until the lee deck was awash, while a gust of wind swooped across the water with such force that it seemed as if the boats of the Tories were actually lifted above the surface. Understanding that the tempest was upon us, I sprang to the tiller, and had no more than barely time to cast off the lashings, else the Welcome would have been thrown on her beam ends, for it must be remembered that all our canvas was spread. In a twinkling, as it seemed, the boats of the enemy were left far behind in yeasty, foaming water that boiled as if in a kettle, and the sloop, her lee rail beneath the surface, was scudding westward like some frightened thing. Sharp work was needed to save our craft from the friendly tempest, and as the boys jumped here or there to commands from Enoch or myself, they shouted and laughed in glee, for now was our dangerous venture a success, since before the wind had blown itself out we would be safe at General Wooster's encampment. When, after mayhap ten minutes had passed, and we were in as fit condition to scud before the wind as was possible under the circumstances, with the main hatch in place, even at the risk of smothering our cargo of live stock, Richard and John came aft, gripping me by the shoulders, since I could not give A LAND EXPEDITION 223 them my hands because of holding the tiller, as the latter said triumphantly: " We have come out of that muddle in great shape, Adam Skidmore, and since you are the one who has managed the business, you .shall have full share of the praise when we are come to the en- campment." It was by no means to my liking that more credit should be given to me than to any other lad aboard, and I said as much to John, speaking so sharply that both he and Richard understood it would not be well to continue the subject. I was ready, however, to join with the crew in crowing over our victory, and I hold to it even now that we had good cause to rejoice, for in addition to the prisoners, whom we had no doubt General Wooster would be glad to get hold of, we had of meat, which had not cost the colony a penny, as much as would serve to feed many men. There was no longer any possibility we could come to grief, save I wrecked the sloop through careless- ness, for the wind would hold until we were come to the end of our first cruise, and with such force that even though the Welcome was a dull sailer, it would need a mighty smart craft to overhaul her. Our prisoners could not fail to understand that their chances of being released by friends had come to an end, and as I stood by the tiller, after we were done with our noisy rejoicings, the leader of the men cried out: " What time are you like to arrive at camp? " " Considerably before sunset, unless this wind dies down as rapidly as it came up," I replied, feeling in a remarkably good humor just then, and asking myself if we would not be warranted in slackening 224 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK the bonds of all save Jacob Twining, so the poor fellows might ease their cramped and aching limbs. " If I could convince you that an hundred pounds would be paid over within four and twenty hours, would you give us an opportunity to go over the rail into our boat? " " Not if it was a thousand you offered," I replied, not a little disgruntled because he seemingly believed money would induce me to turn traitor to the Cause. " I am sorry you came back to that matter, sir, for even though we be enemies, I had rather you be- lieved we lads were honest in the desire to serve the colonies, and I hold him thief as well as traitor who could be influenced in such a matter by money." " When older grown you may come to have a better idea of the value of money," he said curtly, turning in the bunk so that I could not see his face, and I said sharply, really feeling hurt by his words : " If age brings with it a contempt for honesty, then it will be well that all our company die young." When the thunder and lightning had passed over, leaving behind a strong, sweet breeze, we took off the hatches to give the sheep fresh air, and straight- ened up the beef, which had been thrown into the lee scuppers when the squall first struck us. After that had been done the lads lounged about the deck, looking ahead to the moment when the soldiers in camp must give us warm praise for what we had accomplished, and no one thought even of eating, although I know full well by my own stom- ach that more than a few were hungry, because of the joy in our hearts. It is not needed that I should dwell on the in- cidents of the voyage now the danger was passed, and it will be enough if I say that the afternoon was A LAND EXPEDITION 225 but little more than half spent when we came to anchor off the encampment, where many of the soldiers had gathered at the water's edge to learn why we were returned so soon. The bleating of the sheep speedily gave them to understand that we had bought a cargo of meat, and then went up such a shout as brought even the ofiScers from their quarters in wonderment. " It is for you to go on shore and make report, Adam Skidmore," Richard said to me when the sloop had been made snug at anchorage. " The general will have good cause for complaint if we delay in giving information of our doings." " It is not in my mind to go alone," I began stoutly, and Enoch interrupted me: " You are the captain of the sloop, and since all that we have accomplished has been done on the water, I'm thinking you are the only one among us who has the right to report." " I care not whether we were afloat or ashore, I shall not go alone," was my reply, and I intended it should be understood by the tone of my voice that arguments would not move me. " Unless you, Richard, and John go also, not a step do I stir from this craft, and that whether the general be pleased or angry." Instead of making reply, Enoch went over the rail into one of the boats that had been towing astern, and, leaving James Ffolett in charge, cautioning him to stand guard over the prisoners even though they were helpless to move hand or foot, we went on shore. There was no delay in gaining speech with the general, for he was much the same as waiting to receive us, and with a look on his face which told, 226 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK as I read it, that he was in the mood to be angry with us for coming back so soon unless we could give good reasons for so doing. Half a dozen officers were standing nearby when I made my report by saying: " We have an hundred live sheep in the hold of the sloop, and the carcasses of a dozen oxen on deck, sir, to say nothing of four prisoners in the cabin." The General looked at me as if believing I was bold enough to make sport, and asked sharply : " Where and how got you such a cargo in so short a time ? " The better way was to tell the whole story, and this I did in the fewest words possible, taking good care, however, to explain where and how we had met Jacob Twining in the past, so he might understand how necessary it was the lad be held securely. Without wasting any words of praise. General Wooster gave orders to one of the officers that the prisoners be brought on shore without delay, and while this was being done he questioned us in such manner as to bring out all the details of the story, which I had not thought necessary to touch upon. " I doubt if I have in my command men who could have done a better job," he said, when there was no longer anything for me to tell. " In fact, you lads have succeeded where older heads would have failed, and if you hold out half as well, the Minute Boys of New York City will have been of great benefit to the Cause. You may go on board now. The sloop shall be discharged of cargo without loss of time, and in the morning I will give you another task to perform." I would have been well pleased could I have wit- nessed the interview between the general and the A LAND EXPEDITION 227 prisoners, for I was burning to know who the men might be, and curious to hear what Jacob Twining would say for himself, but we had been dismissed, therefore could do no less than return to the sloop. The prisoners, still bound, came on shore just as we lads stepped into our boat to go aboard, and Jacob treated us to a look which told how he would serve us out if the power was his, whereat we laughed heartily, believing we were done with him for many a long day, since it seemed reasonable to believe the general would take good care he was kept secure where he could not interfere with our work. We had hardly more than got on board the Wel- come, and John was at work clearing out the cabin so we might have better stomach for food after all traces of the Tories had been wiped away, when a squad of men came off in a scow to relieve us of the cargo. When finally the sheep were taken ashore, our fellows set about rebuilding the bunks in the hold, that they might have a comfortable bed after being deprived of sleep the previous night. Not until nine o'clock in the evening was the sloop again in shape for our company of Minute Boys, and long before then John and Enoch had made ready a regular feast of beefsteak, for Richard and I claimed that we were fairly entitled to a quarter of an ox, which promised to serve us for hearty food so long as it could be kept sweet. We slept soundly that night, not believing it nec- essary to stand watch because the sentinels of the encampment could keep an eye out on the sloop, and there was little fear any harm would come to her in that place. 228 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK I was astir at sunrise, as was the cook, and within the hour we four who had had an interview with the general the previous afternoon were on shore waiting until it should be his pleasure to receive us. Before that time was come I grew weary with hearing the story of what we did at Eaton's point, for the militiamen gathered around, insisting on hearing all the details, and we repeated them again and again until it seemed to me we might well be accused of striving to blow our own horn. When we in turn asked questions, it was to learn that our prisoners had been sent to the city, that they might be lodged in jail, and although I could not well have explained why, it caused me no little un- easiness of mind to know that Jacob Twining was so near those who would make every possible effort to have him set free. When I repeated as much to one of the militiamen, he laughed at my fears, saying : " Now that Master John Adams has given us what he is pleased to call a Continental army, and Colonel Washington, of Virginia, has been appointed com- mander of all the forces, I warrant matters will be different in this colony. The Tofies will not hold their heads so high, and what influence they may have had, is gone now. It is said that the com- mander-in-chief is about to set out for Boston very shortly, and with him in the field friends of the King have need to hunt cover." " If the Continental army is to be in Boston, how will that help us here ? " I asked in perplexity, and the militiaman replied with a hearty laugh : " Bless you, lad, we are now a portion of that game army. All the recruits are not to be stationed A LAND EXPEDITION 22g around Boston, and I warrant you General Wash- ington will keep his eye on New York." " As he will have need to," another man broke in. " It is told as a fact that the royalist governor. Try- on, is on his return in the frigate Asia, and who shall say that with a ship of war at his back he may not succeed in making it warm for us ? " " You must remember the Congress has ordered new fortifications at King's Bridge, and that the shores of the Hudson River shall be defended by forts, all of which will be done as soon as may be." " But it will not prevent Governor Tryon from working his will in the city," I said, growing more and more alarmed, because all that had been spoken of had to do only with the country roundabout. "If the King's governor is back with a frigate at his command, why may he not set free such prison- ers as we sent into New York? " " What think you Master Sears, with the Sons of Liberty, may be doing meanwhile ? " the first speaker cried, as if he was well content with the situation. There was no opportunity for me to continue a conversation which caused me to feel mighty un- comfortable in mind, for at that moment a mes- senger came from General Wooster, saying the com- mander would see the Minute Boys of New York City at headquarters. I was simple enough to be pleased because he had given us lads the name we most desired to be known by, and followed the messenger, forgetting in my foolish pride at being publicly spoken of as a Minute Boy, all trouble which I had conjured up from the conversation of the militiamen. " How soon can your vessel be made ready again 230 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK for sea ? " the general asked abruptly, when we were come into his presence, and my vain pleasure was yet further increased because it was possible to make reply : " We looked after that matter before turning in last night, sir, and because we held back a quarter of beef from that which was taken at Eaton's point, have no need to call on the quartermaster." " Can you pilot her through Hell Gate ? " " Ay, sir, with the wind in the right direction, and plenty of it, I could do the job after a fashion, though I make no claim to know those troublous waters," I replied, although it was my duty to have confessed I had never taken a boat of any size through that fearsome passage. " Do you know of a place on the shore 'twixt here and the city called Turtle bay ? " he then asked in a low tone, as if afraid the question might be over- heard by the sentry outside the building. " I have been in the cove many a time," Richard made haste to answer before I could speak. " It is there the British have their military stores." " That which I am about to say must not be spoken of by either of you lads, save when you are alone and absolutely certain your words may not be overheard," the general said in so grave a tone that I was startled. " Masters Lamb, Sears, and Willett have instructed me to have the place well spied out by those who may be called upon later to pilot a small vessel through Hell Gate to the bay, and those who do the work must know the waters and surroundings so well that they will be able to go there with their eyes shut, so to speak." " Do our people count on capturing the stores ? " John cried eagerly, and the general held up his hand A LAND EXPEDITION 23 1 warningly, in token that the lad was speaking too loudly. " It would advantage the Cause much if we could have those stores for use of the Continental army; but we will not admit to ourselves what the purpose of the gentlemen I have named may be in ordering me to make ready a vessel and crew. Since you have given such good proof of your ability, by out- witting the King's agents at Long island, it has occurred to me your sloop is about the size of a craft that would be needed, and you the lads to handle her." The general fell silent for an instant, and thinking he had no further orders to give, I asked, like the simple I had become through new-born pride : " Is there anything more, sir ? " " More ? " he cried with a laugh. " As yet you have received no orders. I was but turning the matter over more thoroughly in my mind. How many among.you can handle the sloop ? " " Enoch Cebra," and I motioned with my thumb toward the lad, " is as good, if not a better, sailor than I. He can handle her if any be able to do so." " Very well, let him take the sloop up the sound, cruising here or there with no other aim than to keep clear of the Tories during a certain time, while two or three of you reconnoiter Turtle bay, fixing in your minds every approach to the place, and planning as to how you might get there in the Wel- come if the voyage was to be made in the night. Of course I shall be glad if Enoch can bring in any information of importance, but the main purpose of his cruising will be to make it seem to those who may be curious, that all the crew are on board. Do you understand? " 232 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK I thought I did, and said as much; but Enoch looked as if he had a mind to deny that he could make head or tail of it, so disappointed was he be- cause the general's plans did not include him in such portion of the work as gave promise of being most dangerous. Although puffed up with pride because General Wooster had made it appear as if I must take command of this land expedition, even while Richard was captain of the Minute Boys, I could understand how sore Enoch must be to have no other task than that of idling around Long island sound, simply keeping the Welcome at sea. " You may set about the work at once ; but all hands are to leave on the sloop, for I am not minded any here shall know we so much as waste a thought on Turtle bay. Get under way, and when having gone so far that there will be no possibility of your being seen, go ashore, making a wide detour of this encampment. There is no need for me to say I shall be well pleased if Enoch succeeds in getting valuable information during his time of idling; but he is not to take any such chances as on your last cruise." Then the general nodded toward the door, and, believing he intended the gesture as of dismissal, I left the building, followed by my comrades. Remembering the caution not to speak of this ex- pedition save when we were absolutely certain our words could not be overheard, we remained silent until having pushed off in the skiff, and when we were at what seemed like a safe distance from the shore, Richard said, as if simply giving words to his thoughts : " It would be something to talk about, if we could have a part in that which seems to be afoot," and Enoch added sadly : A LAND EXPEDITION 233 " It is a piece of the rankest ill fortune that I must stay aboard the sloop, idling away the time, when you fellows are doing that which will give you great credit." " Whatever we do, save this first work of spying, you will have full share in," John replied in a sooth- ing tone, for he understood even as did I, how sore at heart the lad must be. " The real enteiprise is to come when we sail there in the sloop." "How many of you are going?" Enoch asked, giving no heed to John's soft words, and then I realized that the general had not given definite in- structions as to that part of the business. " It is for you to decide, Adam Skidmore," Rich- ard said quickly, and I asked sharply : " Why me more than another? " " Because the general singled you out as the leader, when he asked if there was any other in our company who could handle the sloop." " But you are the captain when we are ashore, and shall have command of this land expedition," I cried angrily, for although it pleased me to have been ad- dressed by the general as if I was indeed fitted to lead my comrades, I had no idea of stepping into Richard's rightful place. We might have had a lengthy argument on the subject, if Enoch had not said gruffly : " There is no sense in squabbling over that matter now. It will be time enough to settle the question as to who is captain after you are on shore. As I understand it, we are to sail up the sound, say four or five miles, before we part company, therefore you have only to name those who are to go with you, Adam, and the rest can be done when you are tramp- ing across country." 234 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK " It is certain the general supposed the three of us would go," John said so decidedly that I did not have the heart to say I believed it would be better if but two of the party set off. Then Enoch picked up the oars and pulled the skiff swiftly out to the sloop, saying as we came alongside : " There is no reason why we should delay in get- ting under way. John can be making ready such provisions as you count on taking, while we are running up the sound." That I was not really fitted to take command of a land expedition was shown by the fact that until Enoch referred to the matter I had given no heed to needing food, and it troubled me not a little because we must be burdened with anything of the kind. It was as if my comrade from Jamaica was in haste to be rid of us, for no sooner were we on board than he set about getting the sloop under way, and I went into the cabin with John while he cooked two pans of meal bread and fried three big slices of meat. We two had decided that such an amount would be sufficient during the time we were absent from the Welcome, for it seemed reasonable we could take in all that was to be learned of Turtle bay within eight and forty hours, else would we be dullards. While we were discussing the question of food, I dgain spoke of our journey as a " land expedition," whereupon John burst into laughter, saying as soon as he could check his mirth : " Surely you are pluming yourself, Adam Skid- more, on being an important part of the Continental army. To speak thus of going down to Turtle bay A LAND EXPEDITION 235 on what is much the. same as a pleasuring, is near akin to calHng this sloop a Continental navy ! " For the instant I was abashed, and hastened to change the subject by asking how we were to carry our store of provisions, little dreaming that before we were on board the Welcome again, John himself would admit our " pleasuring " to be an expedition of no little danger. Then it was Richard came below with considerable show of excitement, the cause of which was made known when he said in a tone of irritation : " To think that we believe in our ability to do the work of men! Here we are starting off without means of defense when we have plenty of weapons in our possession!" " Why not take them along, for I reckon you are thinking of the pistols with which the Tories so kindly provided us ? " John cried with a laugh, and Richard replied: " That would have been wise had we not shown ourselves wooden-heads by failing to get ammuni- tion while ashore. Enoch is in such haste to be rid of us that we are already half a mile from the camp, and I would not confess to being stupid, by turning back now, to say nothing of its bringing bad luck." CHAPTER XIV A hornet's nest To my mind we should have put back for the ammunition, even though we did thus confess to being stupid, for it would have been better to allow that which was proven a fact, than find ourselves in a tight place without proper means of defense. As for bad luck coming to one who halts on a jour- ney, it was such a foolish superstition that it had no place in my thoughts. However, I held my peace, fearing lest if I in- sisted on returning to the encampment Richard might get the idea that I was striving to hold com- mand of the expedition, and had good cause to repent my silence before we had come to an end of our work. I did really fancy that Enoch was eager to be rid of us, as Richard had suggested, and I have already said, for he took advantage of every ounce of wind, calling for his crew to trim sheets, or ease off, with every puff, until I asked laughingly: " Why is it you would have us ashore so quickly, lad? One might believe you could not feel at ease until we were out of the sloop." " I have no desire to part company, Adam Skid- more; but it is in my mind that the sooner you begin the journey the better, for no one may say what lies in your path 'twixt here and Turtle bay." " Then you are of the belief that there is danger 236 'A HORNET'S NEST 237 ahead of us ? " I asked with an effort to speak in a careless tone, and he repUed gravely: " Ay, else it would not have cut me so deeply that I must idle the time away aboard this sloop, while you lads were winning all the honor." " It might be disgrace, rather than honor, that came to us if we were brought face to face with much of danger," I replied, and despite my will I was impressed disagreeably by that which the lad had said. " I am not afraid anything of the kind will hap- pen, Adam; but there is a chance, of course, that you may be worsted, for we Minute Boys cannot well expect to have such good fortune every day as attended us at Eaton's point." " But how can it be more than idle sauntering, to travel from here to Turtle bay and back ? " I per- sisted, eager to know what the lad might have in mind, for I had great faith in his judgment. "That I cannot well say; but it does not stand to reason the servants of the king will have left the stores unguarded, and now, when we of the colony are showing ourselves both willing and eager to measure strength with the royalists, it is a safe guess that those at Turtle bay will be on the alert against that same venture of which General Wooster has spoken." " But until we arrive there it is not likely we may come upon enemies," I continued, and Enoch looked at me questioningly, as he added: " Why is it, Adam Skidmore, that you have so suddenly become careless as to what may lay in your path, for you have ever been a cautious lad, again and again holding me in check whei} I \vpuld have ventured blindly ? " 238 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Perhaps over much good fortune may have made me careless," I replied with a laugh caused by nervousness, rather than mirth. " That I do not believe, and although it cannot be you have overlooked a possible obstacle in the path you are about to tread, I shall answer the question asked. Think you we who labor for the Cause are the only ones who can send out spies? After all that has been done in Boston and here- abouts, do you believe the king's men are blind and idle? I am of the opinion that General Wooster's camp is being watched, even as we would keep an eye on the Tories of Long island, and doubt if you get ashore without knowledge of our enemies, how- ever much I may exert myself to make a landing at the earliest moment." Having said this the lad remained silent, refus- ing to continue the conversation even though I plied him with questions as to what he would do were he in my place, or how he counted on spending the time while we were absent. Some time before Enoch was ready to send us ashore John and Richard had prepared the pro- visions we were to take with us, and divided them into three equal portions of such small compass that we might carry all in our pockets. Although nothing had been said to the other mem- bers of the company regarding our purpose, it was evident that every lad understood something of im- portance was afoot. One after another, four came to me privately, asking if it would not be possible for them to join the expedition, and this without their knowing how much of danger might be en- countered. It was well worth while risking one's liberty, A HORNET'S NEST 239 perhaps life, to have such comrades, and I said to myself then, that if the Minute Boys of New York City did not come to have a high place in the Continental army, it would be because those in command failed to understand how devoted the lads were to the Cause. Enoch insisted in sailing very much farther from the encampment than any of us who were to under- take the journey fancied was necessary. He stoutly refused to make a landing until we were come to where he believed it might be safest, and had but one answer to all our protests against being forced to travel more miles than were required. This was, that he held command of the sloop now I had joined the land expedition, and did not count on letting us run our noses into danger which could readily be avoided. It was a positive relief when finally he set us ashore, insisting on pulling the skiff himself, although any one of the company would have been only too glad of the opportunity, and when we had landed he said solemnly: " I am counting on keeping close along shore to lend a hand in case you may need one, therefore do not feel surprised if you see the Welcome coming through Hell Gate. It won't be a bad idea if more than one of the company is able to pilot the sloop over that troubled water, and I have had no orders to keep away from it." " One would fancy you believed we three needed watching over," Richard said with a laugh, and Enoch replied gravely, giving no apparent heed to the words : " Don't make the mistake of believing your course will be all plain sailing; but be suspicious of every 240 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK person you come across, save it be one who has proven himself a friend." Then the lad pushed the skifif off from the shore, leaving us standing at the virater's edge, gazing after him in silence. " I wonder what he has got in his head? " John said thoughtfully. " It really seems as if he must know more regarding this expedition than he is willing to tell." " Enoch Cebra would not keep back anything which might advantage us to know," I made haste to say. " He has the idea that there is more of danger than appears, and fears for our safety." " He doesn't fear for our legs," Tiichard added with a laugh, " else he would have set us ashore two miles back, thus saving considerable of a tramp." Then, as if with one accord, we ceased to specu- late upon Enoch's words or behavior, and turned our faces inland, after having had quite a lengthy discussion as to the proper course. Richard and John were of the belief that we might with safety reach Turtle bay by following down the river at a distance of a mile or more inland ; but I argued, striving to do so without seem- ing to assume command, that we were bound to take every precaution, and after many words we agreed to make so wide a detour as to leave General Wooster's encampment a good three miles between us and the water. My idea was to strike the Boston road, and, con- tinue down that, in order to have easy traveling, until we were come, as nearly as could be judged, opposite the place we were to spy out. For the benefit of those who have never been to A HORNET'S NEST 24 1 Turtle bay, I will say that Newtown creek makes into it. The banks of the cove, for it is not really large enough to be called a bay, are steep and rocky, and one may enter it with safety in a vessel of considerable size. There had been built, many years before, a large warehouse of two stories for the keeping of military stores, and our people knew that as yet the Britishers had carried nothing away. I had never visited the place; but had a fairly good idea of what it was like, and knew that by following down the creek we would come upon it without fear of going astray. We traveled in Indian file while going over the rough land and through the bushes, therefore had no opportunity for conversation unless we were willing to give notice of our coming to any who might be in the way, and although Richard went in advance, it was possible for me, without making it appear I directed his movements, to keep him on the course I was eager to follow. The distance from the shore to the Boston road was much greater than I had counted on, and it lacked less than an hour to sunset when we were come within sight of it. During all this time we had seen neither man, woman or child, and because that section of the country appeared to be uninhabited, my comrades were ready to make sport of Enoch's fears. They even complained of having made twice as great a detour as was necessary, and bewailed the fact that all those miles must be covered again when we turned our faces toward Turtle bay. I proposed that we find a resting place within shelter of the bushes, at a point where we could keep the highway in view; but Richard cried out 242 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK against it, insisting we should travel as long as pos- sible in order to finish the task before another night had come. " You have allowed Enoch Cebra to frighten you," he said in friendly mockery to me, " and therefore believe what lies before us is difficult of accomplishment ; but John and I will show you that we lads who live in New York have a better idea of the conditions hereabout, than you who have spent all your days in Jamaica." No good could come of my trying to convince the lads that we had need of great caution, and many words might have resulted in a loss of tem- per, therefore I held my peace, even when Rich- ard insisted we might walk in the highway without care as to those we met. Thus it was we went on, munching the last of our provisions, for all of us had eaten more than was warranted in view of the scanty store, and passed, without making any attempt to conceal ourselves, two farmers coming from the city in their heavy wagons, as well as perhaps half a dozen men on foot, each of whom eyed us nar- rowly, as I fancied. Shortly after sunset, and before darkness had really come, we arrived at a small inn where, by the general appearance of the surroundings, I fancied farmers were in the custom of stopping to refresh themselves or their beasts, and here Richard insisted that we spend the night. Not having any money with which to pay for my entertainment, I made protest ; but both he and John insisted it should be, since they had ample with which to settle the score, and the result was that A HORNET'S NEST 243 we entered the poor place as if traveling on business that might safely be proclaimed from the house-tops. The host was a very fleshy man, whose red nose told of over indulgence in strong waters, and when Richard requested that we be shown to a room where we might sleep, he asked what brought us so far afoot at that time of the day. As a matter of course the lad refused to make any explanations, claiming that we had wandered so far from the city during the forenoon that we could not well return to our homes before morning owing to fatigue, and then the host, seeing the scar on my face caused by a Tory bullet, was eager to know how I came with it. Perhaps it would have been wiser to make up some yarn which would satisfy his curiosity; but Richard lost control of his temper, and cried out in anger: " We ask for a bed, and are willing to pay your price for the entertainment; but I fail of under- standing why we must give you the history of our lives, if this be a public inn." " In these troublous times it stands an honest inn- keeper in hand to know who he harbors," the man replied in a surly tone. " Who is there shall force me to take in a traveler if so be I am not of the mind?" " It would be well if you made up your mind quickly, so that in case we are not to your liking, there will yet remain time, before night settles down, to seek some other inn," John cried sharply, and the fellow said with a grin: " It might be you would go further and fare worse, for he who is prudent will have some idea 244 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK of what he may be doing before taking strangers into his house. Be you for the king, or the col- onies ? " " For the colonies, of course, as every honest man who claims New York as his home should be," Richard replied passionately, and I was like to cry out with vexation because he had given so much of information before ascertaining the politics of the inn-keeper. I fancied that the fellow's first impulse was to send us about our business, for he eyed the scar on my cheek sharply, and moved forward as if to open the door, which had swung shut as we entered. Then, seeming to be seized with a sudden thought, so I read the movement, he wheeled about, saying as he went toward a narrow stair-case which led to the floor above, and appeared to be the only way by which one might gain the chambers : " You shall have the best bed the house contains, and may rest even more secure than if in the tent of this colonel from Virginia, who is coming to take command of what Master Adams calls the Conti- nental army." Then he ushered us into a room having a window overlooking the highway, and directly above the door by which we had entered the building. There was no great promise of comfort in this small apartment wherein was only a bedstead evidently fashioned by one who had little knowledge of the carpenter's craft. Indeed there was no space for other furniture, so tiny was the chamber, and one was forced to walk sideways in order to pass be- tween the bed and the wall of puncheon planks. " Not much of luxury here," Richard said grimly when the host had descended the stairs to the tap- " ' BE YOU FOR THE KING, OR THE COLONIES ? ' ' A HORNET'S NEST 245 room below ; " but we are among friends to the Cause, which atones for much that is lacking." " How know you the host is a friend to the Cause ? " I asked sharply, and the lad replied as he took ofif the greater portion of his clothing while making ready to get into bed: " Because he was so set on knowing our politics before giving us a chance to spend hard money, such as I made certain he should know we had by jingling a few coins in my pocket." " Did you take note that he did not declare him- self for either the colonies or the king, and, as I took it, spoke in a jeering tone of the commander- in-chief?" " You are still sharing Enoch Cebra's fears," Richard said with a light laugh as he threw himself on the bed, rolling over until his face was at the open window. " Wait until we see something of which to be suspicious, and I will show myself as active as you in hunting out bugbears." John joined in our comrade's mirth at my expense, and I strove to calm my fears, which really had no foundation, by saying in my mind that I was much the same as showing myself to be weak-kneed when I sought so desperately to find cause for un- easiness. Both my comrades were in bed, or rather on it, by this time, for the night was so warm one could not cover himself with blankets, and, taking off my coat, I laid down on the side nearest the par- tition, that being the only place left. We had traveled many miles, the greater number being over rough country, since coming ashore from the Welcome, and were so fatigued that slumber was very near our eyelids, yet mine did not close 246 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK at once. Within five minutes John and Richard were breathing heavily in the unconsciousness 'of sleep; but I grew more wakeful each moment despite all desires to cross over into the land of dreams. I turned in mind all that had happened since the day when Enoch and I left Jamaica to carry the message from the Minute Men to Master Benson, and strove to decide how we might best perform the task assigned us by General Wooster, until my eyes were opened as wide as if I had had my fill of slumber. The chamber was so small, and so nearly filled by the bedstead, that there was no opportunity for me to move about in order to shake off the train of thought which was keeping me wakeful, therefore I was forced to lie in one position lest I disturb the rest my comrades were gaining. It was only natural I should listen to every sound which came from below, for one or more men continued to move around in the tap-room, and thus it was I became aware that another guest had arrived, when the voice of the host could be heard as he said : " I was afraid you might not be at home, and had a mind to pass the word along to Master Townshend, even though it may not be important." " Why do you suspect that three rebel lads may be able to do aught against the king? " " Because Master Twining, who was here at noon, told me his boy Jacob warned him against certain lads, among whom was young Benson, son of the secretary of Congress, and that same lad is in this house with two comrades." Verily I now had cause to play the eavesdropper. A HORNET'S NEST 247 and my heart beat like the strokes of a smith's ham- mer, while I sat upright, as if it would be possible to hear the better in such position. Now did it seem as if there was good reason for what Richard and John had declared was over-caution on my part, and I reproached myself for not having stood out more stoutly against entering this house, when we might have found as comfortable a resting-place in any thicket. Thus moving in the bed prevented me from hear- ing such part of the conversation as followed the host's announcement that Master Benson's son was a guest in his inn; but when next the voices came clear to my ears I heard the question, asked as I believed by the new arrival: " Does Master Twining have hopes of freeing his son?" " Ay, and it will surprise me if the lad be not already at liberty. The friends of the king yet have considerable of influence in the city, even though the rebels are puffed up by what has been done to the eastward. It may be a harder task to com- pass the release of those sent out to get provisions for the troops; but it will be brought about in time. There is no charge against young Twining, save that he got mixed up in the capture of live stock, and he cannot lawfully be held for calling certain lads rebels, when it is well known that such is the fact." Then it was as if those below were drinking, and I took advantage of the opportunity to arouse John, by shaking him vigorously while I clapped a hand over his mouth to prevent any outcry. Such firm hold had slumber upon him that I did 248 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK not succeed in my efiforts until a full minute had passed, and the conversation below was resumed, when r whispered: " Listen to what may be going on in the tap-room. The host sent for some man who must live near-by, and has told him you are here. He also declared that Jacob Twining will speedily be set at liberty, even if he be not free already." By the time I had said this much John was wide awake, as may well be supposed, and that which he heard was enough to drive slumber very far from his eyes. " Did Peter ride on after telling you to come here ? " the host asked, and the reply came promptly : " Ay, as if the Evil One himself was at the heels of his horse. He said you told him to carry the tidings to Master Twining, although I am of the mind that he will not trouble himself to come so far in the night after three boys who, even though they be rebels, can do no harm to us, or good to the so-called Cause." " You will find that Master Twining is of another mind in the matter, and I shall be much surprised if you do not see him as soon after Peter delivers my message, as a horse can travel between Wall street and this place." John gripped my arm tightly as he heard these words, and it was on the tip of my tongue to ask if he was still of the belief that I had shown myself weak-kneed by giving heed to Richard's warnings; but now, when it seemed positive we had run our heads into a hornet's nest, was no time to rake up old sores. There was little need for John to hear more in order to convince himself that it stood us in hand A HORNET'S NEST 249 to make a sudden move, and without prompting from me he awakened Richard, repeating to him hurriedly that which had been said in the tap-room. Our captain was not to be convinced on the evi- dence of others that matters were quite as desperate as we would make out; but insisted first on my repeating all I had heard, and then, moving cau- tiously as possible, but not without making consid- erable noise, he went to the open door of the cham- ber, as if there he could hear any better than through the cracks of the floor. During five minutes or more the men below talked of matters other than political, and I was beginning to fear our leader might not hear that which would convince him we were in danger, when some one asked of the host: " What will you do in case Master Twining does not get here before the rebel lads are, ready to leave?" The reply came so promptly that there could be no question but the inn-keeper had already decided upon his course of action: " Keep them here by soft words if possible, and if not, lay hold of the villains by force. In case none of you are willing to aid me, I am allowing that Peter and I can best three lads, even though they may be well armed." " Never fear but we will do all you may ask of us," another voice said, and Richard came back from the door to the side of the bed, where he leaned over me to ask in a whisper: " What is to be done, Adam Skidmore, for cer- tain it is we must not tarry here ? " " That much has been in my mind this last half hour; but how we may get away is more than I 2SO THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK can say. There is little doubt but the inn-keeper is armed, and even though he be not, he has friends enough in the tap-room to prevent our going away against his wishes." " There remains the window," John suggested. " It is not so far to the ground that we would come to any harm by leaping out." " True ; but when we bring up it will be directly in front of the tap-room," I added, believing there was little hope the three of us could escape in that way. Richard turned suddenly and left the room, to seek some other way of gaining the lower floor, as I rightly guessed; but when he came back it was easy to understand he had failed of finding any. " It is by the window, or a rush down the stairs, unless we are minded to stay here till Jacob's father works his will on us," the lad said grimly, seating himself on the side of the bed where we could con- verse in whispers without fear of being overheard. In the room below the men were talking of what would be done when Governor Tryon came back with a frigate to hold us rebels in check, and we had no curiosity regarding his supposed ability to bring us into subjection. " I may as well make full confession that my leadership has been such as would shame the dumb- est wooden-head who ever lived," Richard said bit- terly. " While engaged in a task set by the general, we should have been suspicious of every person and thing, even as were you and Enoch, and I was so simple as to fancy we might play the part of trav- elers without risk — " " There is no good reason why you should chew over what ought to have been done," I interrupted. A HORNET'S NEST 251 " We have run our heads into a hornet's nest, and the question is how to retreat without being stung too severely." " You must answer that. I have led you into trouble, and now ask you to act the part of leader, as I ought to have done when we first set out." This was by no means to my liking, for the good reason that I could not see many chances for escape, and told the lads so frankly, adding: " It may be that one, perhaps two, could manage to give those fellows the slip by leaping out of the window; but he who came last would surely be taken. The stairway is not to be thought of, for the men are most likely between it and the outer door." " Then it must be by the window 1 " Richard said decidedly. " You shall go first, John next, and I last, as is only right, since but for me we would not have stopped here." " As to that, I am as much at fault as you," John interrupted hotly. "It is right Adam should go first, and I will be the last." To this Richard cried out, declaring he was wholly at fault, and the two lads would have indulged in a wordy squabble if I had not put in my oar by asking : " Is it decided that we shall try to make our escape by the window ? " " Since there is no other way, we need not spend many minutes making up our minds, for surely none of us count on staying here until Tory Twin- ing comes," Richard replied, and I added: " Then it is not for you to say who shall be first or last. We will draw lots, for it is the same as a fact that the third one to leave this place is taken 252 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK prisoner, and I am not such a sneak as to lead the way, thus insuring my own safety." Against this plan Richard protested most stoutly ; but I soon gave him to understand that I would not agree to make the attempt save as had been said. " Unless we draw lots, giving to each a chance to get the lucky straw, I remain here until Master Twining comes, for it is better to be prisoner to the Tories, even though Jacob act as jailor, than remem- ber I showed myself both coward and sneak." " Let us do as Adam insists," John whispered imploringly. " We can't count on having any too much time for tongue quarrels, and one of us must speedily be on the way to report the fate of those who are taken." Then John groped around on the floor to find that which would serve in the stead of straws, until I drew a handful from the bed, saying while holding them aloft: " First we must decide upon what shall be done for him who fails to go free. If Tories can work the release of such as Jacob Twining while he is in the custody of those who have every reason to hold him securely, surely our people should be able to do as much for us." " Say what is to be done, and we will follow your instructions," John said nervously, being in haste to have the disagreeable venture at an end, and after turning the matter over in my mind while one might have counted thirty, I settled the matter in this manner: " First let it be understood that it is each for him- self, with no hanging back to help a comrade, lest all three fall into the clutches of the enemy, and none be left to carry the news where it will benefit A HORNET'S NEST 253 US. Enoch has said he counted on sailing up through Hell Gate to make sure he could pilot the sloop if need arose, therefore it appears to me we would be wise in striking out directly for the river, and following down the shore to Harlem, if so be no one bars the way." " What then ? " John asked as I came to a stop, and I replied with a laugh that had in it very little of mirth: " Then we shall have done our part. It is for General Wooster to say how our company of Minute Boys may set about freeing those of us who fall into Master Twining's clutches; but if he fails to do so, Enoch Cebra will take the matter in charge, and it is positive that lad gives no heed to self so long as it is possible for him to raise a finger in our behalf." " Now that is settled upon, who is to hold the straws ? " John asked, and Richard said moodily, for he was not content with other arrangement than that he should take upon himself all the danger by being the last to leave the house : " It makes no great difference ; hold them your- self." John turned his back an instant, and when he faced us again it was to say: " I have three straws of unequal length. He who draws the longest shall go first, and the shortest is for the last fellow — he who may safely, count on being taken prisoner, unless those Tories below stairs decide that it will not be well for them to interfere." He held his closed hand toward me, and I drew a long straw, thus causing me to believe fate in- tended I should get out of the scrape; but when 254 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Richard made his choice, getting the shortest to his great joy, I saw that John's was longer than mine. " That settles it beyond recall," I said, believing it was destined I should be captured, for it did not seem probable more than one could escape. " Put on your clothing as quickly as possible, so that he who leads may speedily be making his way toward the river." CHAPTER XV; A HOT RACE It can well be understood that we did not spend many moments making ready for a venture which was more desperate, as I looked at the matter, than any in which I had ever been concerned — far more so than when we captured the Tories and live stock at Eaton'i point. That the people on the floor below were friends to the king we already had good proof, if words count for anything, and to my mind it was equally posi- tive they would do all they might toward holding us prisoners in order to please Master Twining, who evidently had some hold upon the rascally inn- keeper. It seemed to me that John, whom chance had ordered should be the first to make the attempt to escape, would go free, for I allowed that when he leaped near the door these fellows in the tap-room would be too thoroughly astonished to be able to lay hands on him, if perad venture the lad moved as quickly as he ought. The Tories would be prepared for my going, because of understanding that all three of us would make the break for freedom, and in case they were sufficiently wise not to make any attempt at chasing John, then must I leap almost directly into their arms; but I was determined they should not find it child's play to hold me prisoner. 255 2^6 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Better I sacrificed my life in the struggle for free- dom, than that I died in a British prison goaded to death by Tory jailers. As for Richard, I could see no hope ; but promis- ing myself that if so be I was fortunate enough to rejoin the Minute Boys, from that moment, until the task was accomplished, our single purpose should be the freeing of the lad, and this much I said as we three clasped hands before beginning the flight. " It is well I should pay the penalty for having been worse than a fool," he replied, striving to speak in a cheerful strain. " I have no doubt but that you, and all the other lads, will do whatsoever you may in my behalf; but if so be you fail in the effort, do not sorrow deeply, for I have a firm belief it will some day be my fortune to escape, although how much of suffering may come 'twixt now and then, thanks to Jacob Twining and his crew, I dare not speculate upon." The window was so small that we could only get through it by climbing on hands and knees over the ledge, and then, clutching the timber with our hands, allow ourselves to drop down. Thus we would strike on our feet; but in such position as to face the dwelling, and it was because each would be forced to turn half around at the expense of three or four seconds when time was so precious, that capture would be the easier. " Go on, lad," I said impatiently to John, who was prolonging the parting beyond my endurance. " We are forced to face the worst, but even that will be better than standing here turning over in mind the possibilities of capture." The lad obeyed me on the instant, by climbing through the aperture as quickly as it was possible A HOT RACE 257 to do so without making too great a noise. Then, by kicking against the wall of the house, and at the same time letting go with his hands, he suc- ceeded in throwing himself a good six feet away. Instantly he dropped I scrambled out, without waiting to see whether he came to grief or no, for my sole hope of escape lay in following him as quickly as possible, that I might strike the ground before those below had recovered from their sur- prise, and even as I dropped Richard was making his way out over the window-ledge. When I came to the ground, so heavily tliat it seemed as if the bones in my legs must have been broken, the red- faced inn-keeper was coming out of the door to pursue John, and for my own safety, as well as that of the lad, I sprang against him, tumbling the clumsy fellow over on his back, thus blocking the doorway for an instant. But even as the man fell I saw that those behind him were making ready to leap over his body, and, turning at the very instant Richard dropped, I ran with all speed in a southerly direction, believing I should by such means sooner come upon the river. It was my belief that Richard was in some way injured by the fall, for he lay upon the ground in a heap as does one who is sorely wounded, even as I darted off across the tilled land, where I sank ankle-deep in the dry earth, which impeded and made laborious any progress. By the cries, and the noise as of people flounder- ing about, I understood that at least two had got off close at my heels in pursuit, and now was the moment when my legs must save me, else was I doomed to painful imprisonment. There have been many times since I first joined 258 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK the company of Minute Boys, when life and liberty have depended upon my own exertions; but I dare venture to say that never since that night have I brought into play all my strength and cunning as I did then, for those who pursued appeared to be my equals in fleetness of foot. I knew, with a long, hot race before me, the odds were in the favor of the Tories, who must have been well acquainted with the country, while I pressed forward blindly, so to speak, not knowing whether I might be taking that course which was the easiest or the most difficult. But this much I had to console me as I ran, that whatsoever of difficulties lay in the way, they would be as great for ray enemies as for myself, and it was simply be- come a matter of endurance. I ran, plunging into a thicket of busjies which threatened to bring me to a sudden stop, and again floundering over underbrush where the lightest awk- ward step would have brought me upon my face, until breath was nearly spent, and yet could I hear, hardly more than thirty paces behind, those who were burning to make me prisoner. Even to this day do I remember how I specu- lated upon my chances, even while putting forth every ounce of strength and all my wits to hold the slight lead I had. There was in my mind the belief that I, a lad who had ever been accustomed to out-door life and much traveling, should succeed in shaking off these men who had just come from tippling, as I knew by the noises that were heard while we lay in the chamber, and yet did they hang to my heels as a hound to the scent of a deer. I believe I must have continued on in this hot race a full half -hour, and in that time should have COV- A HOT RACE 259 ered no less than four miles ; but I could see no signs of the river on which I believed would be found my only hope, although I could not have said how or why. From the sound made by my pursuers I fancied I had gained somewhat on them ; but it verily seemed as if I was at the end of the race, for my heart beat as if it would burst its way through the flesh, and the blood seemingly boiled in my head until everything before my eyes was of a reddish hue. Now it was I staggered to this side or that, un- able to keep on a direct course, and said to myself that the epd was well-nigh come, for had there been any less incentive than life, or imprisonment which meant the same as death, I must at that moment have stopped, beaten to a standstill. So great, however, was the fear of the fate which would be mine as a prisoner in the hands of the Tories, that I stumbled onward, hardly conscious of what I did, with the single thought in mind that so long as it was possible to control my limbs how- ever slightly, so long would I force myself to stay in the race. I could hear nothing whatsoever of John. Be- lieving it had not been possible for the lad to hold out so long, I fancied he must have taken another course, and rejoiced because such was the seeming fact, since I was leading the enemy away from him, thus giving the lad a better show for saving him- self. Then came the moment when, tripping over a fallen branch that lay directly in the course, I plunged headlong on my face amid the underbrush, not having sufficient of strength left to make any effort whatsoever toward rising to my feet, and, 26o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK as if in a dream, saying that now was come the time when I should be dragged back to the inn by the triumphant Tories who had proven themselves my superiors in the race. Each instant as my brain grew clearer, or, when the blood ceased coming from my heart in jets that were like blows, and breath was less labored, I expected to feel the hands of the enemy upon me ; but yet the seconds went by and I was left unmo- lested. Not until fully three minutes had passed, was there any hope in my mind that I had succeeded in throwing off those who would have captured me, and then came the thought, dimly at first, but grow- ing stronger and stronger each second, that I might have won the race even while believing it lost, and once more my heart beat as lively as the hammer of a smith, in mingled triumph and relief. I could not understand why it was the Tories failed of being close at my heels, for while I was staggering onward, ready to drop with exhaustion, I believed it possible to hear them close behind; but now came to realize that all this must have been fancy. Mayhap it was the thumping of my own heart I heard, or the whistling of the breath from my over- taxed lungs ; but whatsoever it was, it seemed certain I had escaped, at least for the time being, and there was within me a song of thanksgiving that I had been permitted, even though it might be only for an hour longer, to save myself from the clutches of such as Jacob Twining and his crew. It must not be supposed that I lay there amid the underbrush many moments speculating on what might have happened to my pursuers, or congratu- A HOT RACE 261 lating myself upon the good fortune in having been able to give them the slip. Immediately it was possible to breathe without pain, I rose to my feet and continued the flight, but at a more moderate pace, realizing that it was necessary to husband my strength if I would gain the bank of the river by morning. There could be no question now but that I had shaken off the Tories, and with this knowledge came brightest hopes for the future. While dropping out of the window of the inn there was in my mind the thought that I must certainly be cap- tured, and that everything depended upon John's escape. Fortune had so far favored me that I was well away from the enemy, and this gave me faith to believe everything would come right in the end, even to our company of Minute Boys being able to release Richard. Then a smile came over my face as I remembered what the lad had said about its being bad luck to turn back after beginning a journey, and I won- dered if he would claim that our continuing on without stopping to arm ourselves had been of any very great advantage. But for his superstitious fears we would, mayhap, have gone back, and hav- ing three pistols, together with a plentiful supply of ammunition, there would have been no need of leaving one of the party behind in the hands of the Tories, for we could have marched boldly down into the tap-room of the inn, making our way whithersoever we pleased. As I pressed onward, taking due heed to make no unnecessarv noise lest there might be enemies about, I questioned whether Enoch would dare attempt to bring the sloop up through Hell Gate, taking 262 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK the chatides of wrecking her for the possibility of making himself familiar with the winding cihantiel. While we were discussing the matter in the rdom of the inn, I felt confident the lad Would do as he had said, and that we would find the Welcome somewhere on the river 'twixt Turtle bay afid the city, when having won the race. Now, however, when I could count with cer- tainty upon arriving there within a few hours, doubts as to what Enoch might do assailed me, until I was almost ready to declare that there could be no possibility of his coming, and wondered whethef it would be safer to set my face toward the city and seek the protection of Master Benson, or if I should make the venture of trying to return to General Wooster's encampment. As a matter of fact, I succeeded in troubling my mind so much with what might or might not hap- pen aS to be in a regular fUnk, and had a couple of Tories come Upon me within half an hour before I gained a glimpse of the river, I believe verily I should have given over the fight, yielding myself a prisoner without making a struggle. The day had fully dawned when I finally arrived at that point where I hoped, however faintly, to see Enoch; but whether I was above or below Turtle bay it Was impossible to form any idea, and, seat- ing myself upon a rock at the head of a tiny cove where I was screened from view of any who might be passing on the water, I strove to decide if it was best to turn to the right or the left. Mayhap five minutes had passed when I fancied it was possible to hear the hum' of voices, and hav- ing by this time gotten back some of the courage which had deserted me toward the latter portion A HOT RACE 263 of the journey, I crept with infinite caution within the line of bushes until having passed a tiny point which formed the easterly side of the cove. Then, rising to my feet, I ran forward swiftly, shouting I know not what ; but bent only on crying out at the full strength of my lungs. And indeed I had good cause for acting as if I had taken leave of my senses, for there, hardly fifty yards from the shore, and looking more beautiful than any- thing I had ever before seen, was the Welcome lying at anchor. Verily that Providence which watched over me when I let myself down from the window of the inn, directed my steps during the hot race, for had the matter been arranged and rehearsed again and again, I could not have shaped a course which would have brought me so near the desired point. It can well be understood that some of the boys put off in a boat immediately I had attracted their attention, and when the little craft came toward me I saw Enoch in the stern-sheets. He had left the vessel while acting as captain, and, therefore, offended against all usages of seamen. But this same oifense told how warm was the lad's heart toward me, and I believe the tears fell down my cheeks at such proof of my comrade's affection. " What brings you here, and in such a plight, Adam Skidmore ? " he cried when the skiff was come near to the shore, and the question caused me to glance down at my own body, for until this moment I had no thought that there was aught strange in my appearance. Then it was I saw that my clothes had been literally torn to rags as I forced my way through the underbrush, while the enemy was close upon 264 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK me. My hands were scratched and bleeding, and for the first time I understood that my face must have been cut in many places, with the blood dried upon it. " What has happened, and where are the other lads?" Enoch cried, impatient because I stood silent, surprised at my own condition. " One is taken prisoner by the Tories at a small inn on the Boston road, and the other, John Benson, must by this time be on the bank of the river somewhere 'twixt here and the city," I replied, and was no more than done speaking than Enoch, leaping over, waded ashore, even before the boat's bow had touched the bank, gripping me by both shoulders, as he asked hoarsely: " What has happened ? Why have you been driven to such straits? How did you come to be- tray yourselves to those at Turtle bay ? " " I have not yet seen Turtle bay," I replied hotly. " We proved ourselves simples before reaching there, and took lodgings in a wayside inn without learning whether we might be among friends or foes." "And it was a nest of Tories?" " Ay, so we learned after having gone to bed as if we were gentlemen of leisure, wjth nothing to make us afraid. How we could have shown ourselves so simple minded, passes my understand- ing even now, for, with every need of precaution, we went boldly on as if there was never a foe to the Cause in all the colony." " Never mind that part of it, lad," Enoch said soothingly. " There is no call to heap reproaches upon yourself until having told me the story. If John is on the river-bank we must find him without A HOT RACE 265 delay, lest enemies come upon the lad, and in case Richard Mayo is a prisoner, we have no right to stand here idle. Tell me the tale so I may get some idea of what we had best do." I forced myself, and with no little effort, to relate all that had happened to us after we entered the inn, and when I was come down to the time of having first caught a glimpse of the Welcome, Enoch stopped me by asking: " Have you any idea whether John would come out above where you appeared, or below ? " I shook my head helplessly, confessing that I was so wrapped up in the effort to make good my own escape as not even to know which way the lad ran after leaping from the window, save that I had a dim idea of following in the direction taken by him. Now it was that Enoch Cebra took charge of affairs by literally forcing me into the boat, and as she was pushed off, urging those at the oars to pull their best, for every moment was of value if we would aid our comrades. "How will you set about it?" I asked, and he replied curtly, as if his thoughts were elsewhere: " The tide is favoring, and with wind enough to give us steerage-way, therefore the sloop shall go on toward the city, while we send a skiff back as far as the entrance to Hell Gate, in search of the lad, for he must make his appearance soon, even though not running as fast as you did." Having regained the sloop, after fearing for so many hours that I might never see her again, there came the sense of exhaustion which until then was not fully realized, and I stretched myself out at full length near the tiller, so nearly spent that I 266 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK question if I was able to have lifted a pound's weight. Until his work was well in train, Enoch gave no more attention to me than if I had never ex- isted. A sailor of twenty years' experience could not have set about the task with a better under- standing of what should be done, than he, and every lad of our company leaped to his commands on the instant, that no time might be wasted. As he had said, one of the two skiffs was sent back with orders to cruise to and fro within hail of the shore. She was manned by three Min- ute Boys, one of whom was armed with a pistol and had orders to allow no person, save only John Benson, induce him to put the boat ashore. Then the Welcome was gotten under way, and we sailed slowly toward the city, every lad on board watching eagerly for some sign of John. " Think you he might have gone to his house? " Enoch asked when ten minutes or more had passed, and I declared firmly that the lad would not thus have turned his back upon the company of Minute Boys; but if, instead of striving to gain the river, he tried to reach one place or the other, it would be General Wooster's encampment rather than his father's house. In turn I asked him the location of Turtle bay, and he told me we were between that cove and the city. He had come through Hell Gate without difficulty, sailed boldly into the bay nearly abreast the store- house in order to make certain of the depth of water, and without seeing any human being. But this might be accounted for because his visit had been made in the night, most like just about the same A HOT RACE 267 time we three were trying to make our escape from the inn. " Where do you count we are now ? " I asked. " Midway between Turtle bay and the battery," he replied, and on the instant there came into my mind a wild hope that there was yet a possibility we might rescue Richard before he could be taken to New York. I put it in words to Enoch much after this man- ner : " Without having a good look at the lad, I be- lieve he was hurt while leaping from the window, for it seemed, as nearly as I could see him out of the tail of my eye while running, that he lay help- less upon the ground. Now if such was the case, allowing that Jacob Twining's father got to the inn as soon as he could have been expected, it is not likely Richard can have been carried very far away. If we were to strike the Boston road this side of Catherine street, where it runs so near the river, and our whole company marched toward the inn, why might not it be possible to rescue him ? " " If John was on board, then would I say the plan you have in mind, Adam Skidmore, could be carried out, even though we are the same as un- armed. But is it not our first duty to make certain of his safety? Might we not, by jumping ahead to aid Richard, succeed in losing both the lads ? " I was bound to confess that my comrade was in the right, and yet did it seem to me that John Ben- son, having once got clear of the Tories at the inn, could take care of himself, while Richard, whether wounded or no, was helpless. However, Enoch was in command, and it was not my place, even though so disposed, to question what- 268 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK soever he might do, for I knew beyond a perad- venture that he had quicker wit and was a better judge of such things than I. The sloop sailed slowly on, favored by the tide and the gentle breeze which blew directly from the eastward. We had made perhaps two miles since I was taken on board,, and then suddenly, with a cry which brought me to my feet in wildest excite- ment, one of the lads who was standing well for- ward on the lookout, shouted exultantly : " Ahoy ! John Benson ! Hold where you are ! We'll put off the boat for you ! " " Is it John ? " I screamed, as I searched in vain with my eyes for some token of the lad. " Can you see him?" " Ay, there he stands knee-deep in the water, as if minded to swim off to us," the lad replied, and then, raising his voice, he shouted once more, " Hold where you are ! We'll put a boat out for you!" As Enoch swung the sloop a trifle nearer inshore, it was possible for me to see him who had drawn the longest straw when we cast lots to learn who should the same as deliver himself over a prisoner to the Tories, and I cried out foolishly, even as when I caught the first glimpse of the Welcome, repeating John's name again and again until Enoch, giving the tiller into the hands of the lad who stood near him, came to quiet me, as he said : " There is no need, Adam Skidmore, why you should make known the fact that we are here, for there may be enemies in plenty hereabout. You are shaken up from much danger and great weariness. Lie down on the deck once more, or, better still. A HOT RACE 269 go below to one of the bunks. John shall be taken on board without delay, and then will we try your plan of aiding Richard. I would we had not sent the skiff back, for it weakens our number by three," he added in a lower tone as if speaking to himself. I could not have gone below just then, even if it had been seriously important for me to do so, be- cause of the excitement, and the sudden hope that it might be possible for us, before the sun had set, to undo all the mischief caused by our carelessness. Standing well in the bow where I might the better see all that was going on, I must have made an ass of myself, for it was as impossible to remain in one position as to keep my mouth closed. Then the lad was brought on board, he and I greeting each other as if one had but just come from the grave, and indeed was it like unto even that, for when we parted at the inn it seemed as if the odds were against our meeting again in this world. He was less excited than I, because of being more nearly exhausted, having, as we afterward learned, traveled by a roundabout way, instead of on a direct course, and the story of his wanderings was soon told. As I had believed, the Tories took after me, giving no heed to him, and yet the lad pressed onward swiftly, as I could well imagine he would be prompted to do, making no halt from the time he dropped out of the window, until he had come to the shore of the river, even as I had done, and saw the Welcome standing up stream toward him. It was as if he begrudged the time necessary to give us even this brief account of himself, because of 270 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK his eagerness to know concerning Richard, and I could only tell what I fancied was to be seen at the moment of beginning the flight. " Get into the cabin and lie down," Enoch said in a tone of command. " You and Adam Skidmore are to do all you may toward recovering strength from now until we are where we can start out on the Boston road in search of Richard," and to make certain his orders would be obeyed, the lad led both of us into the cuddy, calling one of the members of the company to prepare a dish of stirabout. When Enoch had gone on deck, and we two were lying opposite each other in the cabin, I explained to John what it was our purpose to do, and straight- way he became even more excited than I. " If we had ammunition for the pistols ! " he ex- claimed. " A single charge for each weapon, and I dare venture to say we could over-awe any com- pany of Tories Jacob Twining's father would be like to bring with him ! " "Ay, lad," I replied sadly. "With the pistols we have, charged with ball, and lads behind them who could and would shoot, we might count almost to a certainty upon setting Richard Mayo free, unless by some ill fortune he has already been taken to New York." " Surely that could not have been done so soon if he was hurt as you believe, and even though no harm had come to him, think you Master Twining would travel in the night when he might rest com- fortably until morning? " I could well believe, because it was my desire to do so, that Richard had not yet been taken from the inn, or, if he had, that we might, by sailing A HOT RACE 271 Up as far as Catherine street before going ashore, succeed in stopping his captors on the road." " Would you go into the city before setting out? " the lad asked with so much of eagerness that I made reply by another question: "And what if we should? Providing the sloop can sail as fast as those Tories would travel, why might we not go to that point where the road comes nearest the river ? " " There is no reason why we should not," he said excitedly, raising himself on his elbow, " and good cause why it would be wise, for once we were come that far it would be possible to get ammuni- tion in plenty." " Meaning that you would go to your home? " " Not so, for that would take too long ; but James Ffolett's brother lives on Catherine street near to the river bank, and we could not only get from him all that is needed in the way of weapons; but count on his joining us with a musket." I was a wooden-head not to have realized that we might get from some friend to the Cause what we wanted, and now John suggested such a pos- sibility I cried aloud to Enoch with such an impa- tient note in my voice that he came running below, thinking some misfortune might have befallen us. " I had already been turning over in my mind whether some of our lads might not have friends 'twixt here and the city," he said when I explained to him John's plan. " But it is better to go to James Ffolett's brother, and then there will be no chance of making such a mistake as when Joseph Harker was allowed to join our company. That which troubles me most, is concerning the lads who went up the river. We number but ten while they 272 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK and Richard are absent, and one must be left on board to look after the sloop. Now the question is whether nine of us, and we have but four pistols because of having sent one in the skiff, will be as great a force as Jacob Twining's father may have with him." " We shall be ten with five weapons, if so be James Ffolett's brother goes with us, as I know he will providing we are fortunate enough to find him," John replied stoutly, and Enoch whirled about to go up the companion-way as he said : " Then it stands you two in hand to get back your strength as soon as may be, for with even so light a breeze as is blowing, we will be off Catherine street within half an hour." I no longer had need of the stirabout which was being cooked. The thought that we might be able to lend Richard a hand before he had been tortured by such as Jacob Twining, caused me to forget all fatigue of body, and it was as if I had arisen re- freshed from a bed of slumber. However, I forced down some of the mixture when it was made ready, and did not disdain to eat five or six slices of fried pork, for once the taste of food was in my mouth I began to realize the gnaw- ings of hunger. We two were yet eating — feasting, I might call it, so gratifying was the food — when I heard Enoch give an order to let go the anchor, and gripping John by the shoulder I cried loudly : " Now lad ! Now is come the time for us to do in Richard's behalf even as he would do in ours ! " Then I ran up the companion-way; but Enoch stopped me before I could gain the deck, by say- ing: A HOT RACE 273 " I have sent all the lads save two into the hold that it might not be seen by those on shore how large a crew we carry. Do you remain in the cabin out of sight, and let John go ashore to find James Ffolett's brother. There is need of caution now, even as when you three lads stumbled into the Tory's inn, and by being careless we may set awry all this plan which bids so fair." His mention of what we had done on the Boston road was sufficient to reduce me to subjection, even though I had been mutinously inclined, and without another word I crept back to the cuddy, while John went on deck. Before one could have counted thirty it was pos- sible to hear the sound of oars, and Enoch, seating himself at the head of the companion-way as if be- lieving my impatience would be too great to admit of remaining where it might not be possible to know all that was going on, said in explanation: " He has put off, and there are none nearabout on shore. We have anchored within twenty yards of the landing, and should know right speedily whether we may go in search of Richard fairly well armed, or if we must trust to our bare hands." CHAPTER XVI ON THE BOSTON ROAD Although John Benson was not ashore above fifteen minutes, it seemed to me as if fully an hour had passed before Enoch announced that he was coming down the road. During that time I had succeeded in working my- self into a fine state of nervousness and foreboding as to the future, having become persuaded that unless we could get James Ffolett's brother to aid us, he supplying the ammunition we needed, then would it be useless for us to make any attempt at rescuing Richard from the hands of the Tories. I no longer had faith in the ability of our Minute Boys to accomplish the task bare-handed. In fact, felt little confidence in my own ability, save I had other weapons than nature provided. When Enoch announced that John had come from the house, I asked with nervous irritation if he was alone, and my comrade replied: > " There is no one with him ; but he has that over his shoulder which looks to be a musket, and if such be the case, it stands to reason he has provided him- self with ammunition." Because of my foolishness in picturing what James Ffolett's brother might be able to do, as if he was more than an ordinary man, my heart sank at this information, and I turned petulantly toward the 274 ON THE BOSTON ROAD 275 door in the bulkhead as if to join the lads who were stowed away in the hold, saying as I did so : " Then must we wait until our numbers are greater before striking a blow in behalf of Richard, for we cannot afford to take the chances of being made prisoners, while the work which General Wooster set for us remains undone." While one might have counted ten Enoch re- mained silent, looking at me pityingly, and then said in a soothing tone, much as if striving to quiet a fretful child: " The loss of sleep, together with the fatigue of traveling all day, and running a race during the greater portion of the night, has played the mis- chief with your nerves, Adam Skidmore. Four and twenty hours ago, when you were in good condition, if I had said that we would not strike for a com- rade because of being too weak in numbers, you would have much the same as jumped down on my authority in anger, declaring that I was showing myself a coward. Now I am not making that charge against you, lad; only saying what you will know to be the truth by stopping to think of it five minutes, that you are not yourself just now; but need rest to put you into proper condition." " I am needing nothing," I cried, turning on him as if he had counted to insult me, but even while speaking did I realize that he was in the right, and I acting much like a peevish child. " Even though I be tired, and in want of sleep, you shall see that I can go as far as you may lead ; but it is our business first to consider whether we dare put everything to the hazard while the general is waiting for us to report," 276 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " You would not have said that yesterday had I been in the clutches of the Tories, even as Richard is now; but Turtle bay might have been sunk be- fore you would give heed to it while I stood in danger." By this time John Benson had come on board, and stood overhanging the companion-way hatch, wide-eyed with astonishment because we two Ja- maica lads were seemingly quarrelling, and Enoch asked with a smile, as if it was of but little con- cern: " Did you fail to find James Ffolett's brother? " " Ay, he is in the city ; but when his mother knew what we lacked, she gave me this musket, and with it as much ammunition as we shall need for all our weapons, though there is little chance the bullets will fit the pistols." " We can set the lads to hammering them down," Enoch said joyously, as he sprang to his feet. " Three charges for the pistols will be all we shall need, therefore give me twelve of the bullets." This John did, and I, having had time to eome out of the contrary mood which had assailed me, was once more as nearly a decent lad as I knew how to be, all of which my comrades understood when I said heartily: " Now what is your plan, Enoch Cebra ? Let us have it as soon as may be, for there is no time to lose." " I knew you would come out of the dumps when we were ready for business," the lad said with a smile, and before making answer to my question he carried the balls to the lads in the hold, telling them what should be done. " It can rightly be said that I have no plan," he ON THE BOSTON ROAD 277 began, having come back to the companion-way, where John and I were waiting. "If so be you feel equal to a tramp, we will, having charged our weapons, set off down the Boston road, and if per- adventure Richard yet remains at the inn, then shall we be forced to make quite a journey." " But what if we meet a party of Tories with him in their midst ? " John asked, and Enoch replied with a smile: " Then must we set about freeing him accordingly to the situation. I am not afraid but that we shall know what to do, even though no cut and dried plan has been formed in advance. It is in my mind, however, because of Adam's belief that the lad came to some harm when he jumped from the window, that we will find him in the inn, and in such case are we wooden-heads indeed if there be any failure in bringing him away." " But the sloop will be here at anchor, and we may be forced to carry him a long distance," I suggested. " Ay, there is that probability ; yet we cannot do otherwise, save by leaving more of the lads behind than seems safe. Let us once have him in our hands, and I dare venture to say there will be little difficulty in putting him aboard the Welcome. At this point one of the Minute Boys came from the hold with the four pistols, saying as he handed them to Enoch: " They are charged, and we have eight more bul- lets hammered to fit." "Then there need be no further delay," and my comrade shouted to those in the hold, " Tumble out in quick time, lads, for we are to go on shore as soon as may be." 278 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK I believe that from the moment of coming to anchor until our company, with the exception of Seth Hunt, who was to look out for the ship, was on shore, no more than fifteen minutes had been spent, and then we marched across the waste land to the Boston road, John and I forgetting, in our eagerness to aid Richard, that we had done little else than walk or run during the past four and twenty hours. Enoch readily took upon himself the part of captain, as was his right after what I had said, and gave us to understand, as we trudged along, that once on the highway we would endeavor to conceal ourselves, if so be any save those for whom we were searching came in sight. Therefore it was that, after we had traveled may- hap a mile, the sound of hoof -beats far away in the distance caused us to make a break for the bushes either side of the road, knowing that a horse- man was approaching. We had hardly more than concealed ourselves when the traveler appeared, and John Benson gripped me by the arm, as he whispered : " It is Jacob Twining's father, and since he rides alone we may count that Richard yet remains at the inn!" " Which means that he broke some of his bones while leaping from the window," I said bitterly, and Enoch, overhearing the words, added in a cheery tone, as if thinking my courage needed bolstering: " That doesn't follow, lad. Yonder Tory would be bold indeed if he dared carry a Whig prisoner through the city in open day. I am guessing that he and the scoundrelly inn-keeper have decided to hold the lad until night, when he may be sent into ON THE BOSTON ROAD 279 town without Master Twining's showing that he had aught to do with the matter." Then it was that Enoch decided to change his half-formed plan somewhat, and I heard him order one of our company to run back to the sloop, get a skiff, and pull up stream until he had met James Ffolett and his comrades, who were on the look-out for John Benson. " Tell them what we are doing, and see to it that your boat and theirs skirt along the river bank nearabout where Adam Skidmore and John showed themselves." It was on the tip of my tongue to protest against weakening the force even so little; but I remem- bered in time that already had I shown myself unfit to give advice, and held my peace. Now, lest I set down too many words in the tell- ing of what should be a fairly short story, let me say that we continued our journey without meeting any, save a farmer now and then, and at such times were so fortunate as to get under cover before hav- ing been seen. Therefore it was, so I flattered myself, that we came within sight of the inn without our where- abouts being known by any person, and there, in a friendly clump of bushes, less than an hundred yards from the building, we halted to decide upon a course of action. " Now has come the time when you and John are to take the lead because of knowing best what may be found in yonder tavern," Enoch said to me, and because I made no reply John Benson cried : " It is not needed that we should spend many minutes over the matter. The door of the inn opens directly upon the tap-room, and there is but 28o THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK one staircase leading to the floor above. Now, if so be Richard is held prisoner there, he will be found in one of the three rooms on the second story. According to my way of thinking, we should march boldly in, and even though we find four or five men tippling there, those of us who are armed may hold them in check while the others make a search." " It is the only thing to be done," I said, as both the lads looked at me inquiringly, " and I'm asking as a favor that if so be the red-faced landlord makes any protest, you leave him to my care." There was in my mind a hope that th^ Tory inn- keeper might show fight, in which case there would be good excuse to pay him off as he deserved, be- cause of having gone out of his way, even to the extent of sending a messenger to the city, in order to do harm to three lads who were behaving them- selves in a proper fashion. After so much of tramping and loss of sleep, John Benson and I should have been so thoroughly done up as to make it impossible for us to continue active exercise ; but now that the tavern was before me, and believing Richard was held a prisoner in- side, I felt fit to tackle half a dozen such as the red- faced rascal who had done us so much mischief. I burned with impatience because we could not set off on the instant to begin the task. Enoch, ever careful, was looking to the priming of the pistols and of the muskets, or instructing those lads who were unarmed as to what should be done when we were inside the inn, and mayhap three or four minutes passed before he turned to me, saying quietly, as if giving the signal for the most ordinary piece of work \ ON THE BOSTON ROAD 281 " Now is the time when we may set out." Had I followed my inclinations we would have gone forward with a rush, so eager was I to stand face to face with those who, most like, were holding Richard Mayo prisoner ; but I understood that if we advanced in such fashion it would be much the same as giving the enemy warning of our intentions, ■therefore I forced myself to walk leisurely, thereby restraining the other members of the company. Just as we arrived at the entrance of the building the inn-keeper came out on the threshold of the door, standing there as if to bar the entrance. I knew by the flicker of his eyelids that he recognized John and me, and it would have been strange indeed had he failed in so doing; but never a word as to our having met before. He bade us good-day civilly, and asked what would be our pleasure, still holding himself in such position as to block the doorway. " We would go into your tap-room," I said, step- ping forward quickly, and he thrust out his arm, holding it against the lintel of the door as he replied, striving to speak in an ordinary tone: " The tap-room is closed to-day, and I am doing no business because there is sickness in my family." He had but just ceased speaking when John, stepping quickly to the other side, made an attempt to enter. As the fellow swung around to prevent him, I darted past, Enoch and two of the lads follow- ing me, taking good care as I did so to swing my arm out in such fashion that the man, not overly steady on his feet, perhaps owing to too much tip- pling, was hurled on his back upon the floor. There were two scurvy looking rascals in the room when we entered, and both started forward 282 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK blusteringly, as if to over-awe us, one shouting in a threatening tone: " Who are you to thus break into a man's house, and do him bodily injury ? " " We have come for a comrade whom we left here last night," I said, whipping out my pistol and leveling it at the speaker, who shrank back, thus showing himself to be the veriest coward, while the second fellow, in front of whom Enoch was stand- ing with musket in hand ready for use, ventured not a word. Meanwhile the inn-keeper, still on the floor be- cause two of our fellows knelt upon his arms, cried out lustily: "Help! Thieves! Murder!" " Roll up your hat to thrust it into his mouth ! " I said to one of the lads, lowering the pistol that I might point it at the screaming man, and added, " You well know for what purpose we have come, and I am giving fair warning that he who makes any effort whatsoever toward preventing us from taking away the comrade we left last night, shall be shot as if he were a cur." By this time three of our lads, acting upon in- structions given by Enoch, had run up the stairway, and an instant later I heard them pounding on the door of that room from which John and I had escaped. " Set your shoulders against it, and do not stand on ceremony," I shouted. "If so be the door is locked, then to a certainty will you find Richard Mayo within." Glancing quickly around I saw that there was no good reason why I should remain in the tap-room. ON THE BOSTON ROAD 283 The inn-keeper, held firmly by two lads, was help- less, while John and Enoch were enough to keep the others in check. Therefore it was I dashed up the stairs and lent my aid to those who were striving to force in the door, doing so with such purpose that in a twink- ling it was burst from its hinges, falling directly across the bed where Richard Mayo, bound hand and foot, as well as gagged, was lying. It can well be fancied that we made all haste to release the lad, after pulling the door from off him, but it was some time before he could speak, so cruelly had the gag forced his jaws apart. Knowing by bitter experience that his limbs were so benumbed as to be useless for the time being, I set about rubbing them vigorously, and within a short time had him on his feet apparently none the worse for having been roughly handled. " Get below as quickly as you can," I said, forc- ing him in advance. " No one can say how soon a gang of the inn-keeper's friends may arrive^ and we cannot afford to linger here." As a matter of fact Richard had no disposition to loiter. He ran down the stairs, awkwardly to be sure, because of the stiffness of his limbs, and would have fallen upon the red- faced man to square ac- counts, if Enoch had not held him back by saying: " We have other work than that of paying off old scores. Hold your hand, Richard Mayo, until we are free to act our pleasure, and then I will lend you aid in settling with that Tory scoundrel." It was a question of getting out of the house as speedily as might be, and making our way to the river once more, lest we find too many at our heels, 284 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK therefore I would have led the boys into the open air, leaving the occupants of the house to do as they pleased, had not Enoch said sharply : " I am not minded they shall follow us. One of you get the ropes with which Richard was fettered, and we will bind those fellows back to back, while the inn-keeper shall serve as ballast for both." There was no lack of willing hands to do as he had bidden, and in the shortest possible space of time Enoch Cebra had deftly trussed up the three in such fashion that it was as if they had grown on one stem, like the leaves of a clover. We rolled the unshapely bundle of humanity into one corner of the room, closed the door behind us, and set off at a sharp pace toward the river, our ears pricked up to catch the first sound betokening pursuit. Now that it was day, we could see a fairly well defined trail leading straightway from the inn to the southward, and this we took, believing with good cause that it would bring us out where we most desired to come. Not until we were well away from the building did Richard have anything to say concerning his rescue, and then, coming to a sudden halt, he grasped each of us in turn by the hands, as he said with his eyes fixed on me : " I knew you would do this thing, and therefore did not lose heart when the Tory Twining threat- ened to have me carried to prison this night." " All praise must be given to Enoch," I replied, determined that every one should know how well my comrade from Jamaica had carried himself. " He it was who directed all the movements, and prevented me from giving way to despair and ON THE BOSTON ROAD 285 fatigue like a child. But for him I dare venture to say we would not be together at this moment." The lad would have insisted that I was in the wrong; but Richard checked him, by saying: " I know full well that each has done his part, and while lying on the bed helpless, as Jacob's father threatened that his son should wreak vengeance on me, I said to myself that the Minute Boys would come before he had an opportunity to work his will." " It was our belief we would find you a cripple," I said, curious to learn what had happened after we leaped from the window, but Enoch interrupted the story even before it was begun. " We had best be moving on. You can spin the yarn as we go." We set off at a smart pace, and then Richard told us what had occurred after we left him. Dropping from the window, he had doubled one leg under his body on coming to the ground, and was, therefore, crippled for the moment, but, for- tunately, no bones were broken. Pain prevented the lad from rising immediately, and thus it was I be- lieved him disabled. As a matter of course he was made prisoner on the instant, and, after being roughly handled, taken up stairs. There, bound and gagged as we found him, Mas- ter Twining visited the lad to threaten what should be done as soon as another night had come. " I would have given almost anything I own, could I have had the use of my tongue just then," Richard said grimly, " and I warrant you that venomous Tory would have heard what we Whigs think of him." As a matter of course all that was said in the 286 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK tap-room below, for Jacob's father had given his tongue full sway, came to the prisoner in the cham- ber above, and thus it was Richard understood that Master Twining counted to send from the city men who, under cover of night, would take the lad where he might be held prisoner. Unfortunately, how- ever, at least so I thought, no mention was made of the place in which he was to be held, otherwise we might have sent valuable information to Master Benson, such as could be used to good effect by the Sons of Liberty. I need not set down that which the lad said when he blamed himself sorely for having led John and me into the Tories' nest, and indeed I had come to believe I was quite as culpable as he, since if it had not pleased me to go there because of having sus- pected danger, a stout protest would most like have sent us far in another direction. This much I said to Richard, and we two argued the matter while we pressed onward, until having come to where the path began to bear to the left. Then it was Enoch stood in a quandary, for it seemed to him, as also it did to me, that the nearest course to the river lay directly south, whereas by continuing on this trail we would be going some- what east. Here we had a discussion as to whether it were wise to hold to the beaten track, and all our lads took part, with the result that it was decided we had best keep on this road, knowing it must bring us somewhere upon the river, rather than strike through the underbrush where the speed would necessarily be slackened because of the difficulties in the way. I was by no means pleased that we held to the path, for it seemed certain w^ were prolonging the ON THE BOSTON ROAD 287 journey, and weary as I was, for the fatigue of the past four and twenty hours was beginning to assert itself afresh, an additional distance of even a single mile was of considerable importance to me. However, the greater number of the party be- lieved we would be doing right, and therefore on we went, traveling fully two hours in this same south-easterly direction, when we were come to a goodly sized creek along the westerly side of which our path ran. Immediately there came into my mind a suspicion that I knew where we had arrived by chance, as it were; but fearing lest it might be a mistaken idea I held my peace until, at the end of half an hour, Enoch Cebra halted suddenly, as he said, pointing ahead to a large building standing upon the shore of the cove : " That is the store-house of Turtle bay. We have been led by accident to the very place you were ordered to reconnoiter." Even though I had suspected that this stream down which we were traveling was Newtown creek, I was amazed that we should have come at the very place where the general counted on our going. It seemed as if a power, greater than any on earth, had sent us to conclude the business so long neg- lected. Verily it seemed to me as if I could hardly put one foot before another, so utterly exhausted was I become, and the idea of tramping to and fro around this place in order to learn that which the general would know, seemed like a most grievous hardship. However, and there was not in my mind the light- est thought of shirking the task, I looked about to see how we might best begin, when Richard said : 288 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Inasmuch as I have proven myself such a worth- less leader, it is not well for me to make any attempt at giving advice; yet so I count on doing now, be- lieving, however sadly I erred last night, that it is good. John and Adam must be well-nigh done up. I am in fit condition for hard work, and it will benefit me much to exert myself to the utmost. Enoch should be reasonably fresh, save for his tramp from Catherine street, therefore do I advise that we two stay behind to do the general's bidding, while the remainder of the party continue on along the shore until having come to the skiffs, when they can pull for the sloop." " But I was ordered to reconnoiter here, and it was understood Enoch would remain in command of the Welcome." " So was I commanded to do this work, but if it seems best for us to make a slight change in the plans, why are we not at liberty to do it, since one of those whom the general mentioned remains at the task." Enoch was hot for acting upon this plan, and when I protested against it, saying it was my duty to take part in the work, he claimed that of the two I was fittest to bring down the sloop. There is little need I should repeat all that was said while we held a long and somewhat heated discussion, for the words amount to nothing when it is told that at the end Richard had his way, and we left him and Enoch at the head of the cove, while the others of the company pushed on up the river. Within half an hour we hove the skiffs in sight, and what a blessed relief it was to me when I sat in the stern-sheets of one while being rowed swiftly ON THE BOSTON ROAD 289 toward Catherine street, with nothing to do save hold the steering-oar! Eager though I was to do all within my power toward aiding the Cause, I could not hold my eyes open because of the slumber that weighed heavily upon them, and we were not above ten minutes on the journey when, against my will, I sank into the unconsciousness of sleep. Although my eyes had not been closed above half an hour when we were come once more to the Welcome, that short rest had refreshed me wonder- fully. Without delay I made sail on the sloop, for by this time the tide had turned, and it would be possible to work our way toward Turtle bay, even against the easterly wind. Once the anchor was weighed, John counted on keeping me company at the helm; but, throwing himself on the deck that he might better rest his aching limbs, and even while speaking, sleep over- powered him so quickly that he broke off with the sentence half completed, which was good proof that we two lads had come nearly to the end of our strength. It was near to nightfall before we arrived off Turtle bay, and there, much to my surprise, did we find Richard and Enoch on the shore awaiting us. " There is nothing more we need learn," my com- rade from Jamaica said, after we had taken the two aboard. " With what I saw last night, and that which we have discovered this day, the general can- not but be content." Then it was I threw myself down by the side of John, and we lads slept on the hard planks as sweetly as if lying upon feathers, until the next 290 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK morning, when we awakened to find ourselves at anchor off General Wooster's encampment. It vexed me sorely because of not being able to make the report, but since I had seen no more of Turtle bay than while we walked down its western shore, to go with Enoch and Richard when they asked for an interview with the commander would have been useless, therefore did I remain aboard the Welcome, saying to myself that by having thus given way to fatigue I had lost all chance of being considered by the general as one who was able to do a soldier's part. Enoch was eager John and I should accompany them, saying he had gone when it was only to play the part of fifth wheel to the coach; but I shut my ears, perhaps because of being in ill-temper with myself, and the two set off alone. The interview was not a long one. John and I were in the cabin frying pork for our breakfast, and it seemed as if Enoch and Richard had but just started, when they returned, both looking so excited and happy that I knew something of considerable moment had come to them. "What is it?" I asked eagerly, giving no more heed to my hunger, and Enoch, first making certain there were none of the other lads nearby to over- hear his words, said in a half whisper, as he stood close beside John and me : " Within eight and forty hours the Welcome will sail for Turtle bay, having on board those who count to distribute his majesty's stores among the defenders of the colony." CHAPTER XVII TURTLE BAY It set my brain whirling, the idea that an attack was about to be made on the store-house at Turtle bay, for, however we had bungled the matter at the start, we Minute Boys of New York City had really had the first finger at the pie, and those men who went with us would have the work cut out for them by the crew of the Welcome. Our share in the attack, in case it proved siKcess- ful, would count for more than that of the militia- men, and those who spoke of the matter in years to come, must perforce give us the greater portion of the praise. Then came the question as to whether we had even chances of success, and I questioned the lads who had reconnoitered the place, as to how strong a guard the Britishers kept there. " Not above a dozen men, as nearly as we could make out yesterday," Richard replied. " The gen- eral is of the belief, however, that more will be sent there within a short time, for the store-house is well filled with munitions of war, which would be of great value to us of the Continental army, and a big loss to the Britishers." I could not repress a smile when the lad said " us of the Continental army," and seeing it, he said quickly : " The best of the news has not been told yet," 291 292 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK and he glanced meaningly at Enoch, whereupon the latter added : " Perhaps it would be as well to hold our peace re- garding the promise, and then Adam will not suffer from disappointment in case the general's plans go awry." As a matter of course I was eager to know the meaning of so much mystery, and since they had touched upon the matter, whatever it might be, I held that they were in duty bound to give John and me all the particulars, adding to strengthen my arguments : " Had we gone with you, the general would not have hesitated to speak in our presence, therefore, so far as he is concerned, we have the right to know all that happened while you were at headquarters." " And so you shall," the lad replied with a laugh. " I thought we could afford to excite your curiosity, for our news is so good that it would be much like wasting an opportunity if we gave it off-hand. Gen- eral Wooster has promised that, if the attack on Turtle bay is successful, we shall be enlisted as an independent company of Minute Boys, and promises to do all he can toward holding us under his com- mand." I could hardly credit my senses that we were to be given such an opportunity to serve the Cause. The most I had hoped for, when the matter of a company of Minute Boys was broached to me at John Benson's home, was that some work might be found for us whereby we could, if this struggle against the King lasted as long, within a year or two earn the right to be enrolled. To know it was pos- sible for us to really become a portion of the Con- tinental army right speedily, seemed too good to be true. TURTLE BAY. 293 " I thought it would stagger you ! " Richard ex- claimed in glee, as he observed the look of joy and surprise which must have come over my face. " It took me so far aback that I was rude enough to ask the general to repeat his words." " Did you tell him what a mess we made of it at the inn?" " Ay, but it does not stand to reason I laid the blame on ourselves any too thickly. He got all the particulars, however, even to the fact of our blunder- ing into the tavern without stopping to learn whether we might be going among friends or enemies, and was so good as to compliment us as a company, on being able to get out of a tight place without calling for aid." " Well, what are we to do now ? " I asked, after waiting until the good news was well settled in my mind, and Enoch replied : " The orders are to lie here quietly, all hands re- maining on board to be ready for those who are to take part in the expedition. We must have the hold of the sloop in order, so the men may stay there under cover, if so be they are sent from the city very long in advance of the attack." " Then General Wooster's militiamen are not to do the work ? " I said in surprise, for it had been in my mind that a certain number of soldiers now in the encampment would be detailed for the duty. " We are to have more distinguished people than mere militiamen," Richard, replied with a laugh of satisfaction. " None less than Master Sears and Captain Lamb have the matter in charge, and it is likely the Sons of Liberty will do the work. Gen- eral Wooster's part in the undertaking was to have a light-draught vessel ready for the expedition, and 294 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK manned by those who had spied out the cove, so they might sail there in the night." Both John and I forgot that we had not broken our fast, but, leaving the pork in the frying-pan, we set about helping the other lads make ready the Wel- come for the reception of Master Sears and his following, and I could not but repeat again and again that my father would indeed be proud when he knew I had been selected as one of a crew to act under the orders of the Sons of Liberty. It did not seem necessary we build more bunks in the hold, because Enoch and Richard had been in- structed to call upon the quartermaster for as many blankets as could be spared from his stores, and these, thrown on the bare skin of the sloop, would make temporary beds of such sort that those who might lay upon them would not suffer unduly while the weather was so warm. When a certain number of lads had been set the task of bringing the blankets on board, John and I did our best at cleaning the cabin, where, as a matter of course, if they remained with us over night. Mas- ters Sears and Lamb would sleep. We scoured the floors and the bunks until they were as sweet as soap and water could make them, and picked out the best of the blankets for bed-clothing, after which I had supposed the work was done, until orders came from headquarters that we warp the sloop inshore so far as possible, anchoring her both bow and stern. This was a command which caused us no little perplexity, for we failed to understand why the Wel- come should be so securely moored when she could ride in perfect safety at a single hawser; but once the orders had been obeyed we understood the mean- TURTLE BAY 295 ing of them, and were not a little puffed up with pride because of the warlike preparations which fol- lowed. Two small cannon were put aboard the Welcome, if you please, and John, who had suggested that possibly our only part in the expedition would be the transportation of men from General Wooster's en- campment to Turtle bay, was now well content in mind, for it stood to reason that if these heavy guns were to be used, we lads must perforce have con- siderable part in the work. It was not until near to sunset that all this had been done, and then we Minute Boys were exceed- ingly proud, because the sloop was now what might be called an armed cruiser, and, as Enoch said laugh- ingly, we were become part, if not the whole, of the first American navy. I went ashore shortly after sunset to report to the general that everything was in readiness, so far as we were concerned, and my stay was short, for he said almost curtly, after I had given what I be- lieved to be welcome information : " See to it that all you lads remain on board, and have watch kept throughout the night, for no one may say when those whom you are expecting will come on board. Have you provisions in plenty ? " " We might, perhaps, feed a dozen men one day," I replied at random, not feeling certain as to the extent of our stores. " See to it that you have enough of pork and corn bread to give twenty, in addition to your own com- pany, three meals, and since your arrangements for cooking are probably not very extensive, it would be a good idea to make up a supply of bread in advance." 296 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK Then he nodded in intimation that the interview was at an end, and I hurried on board to consult with John as to what might be needed, as well as to set him about his duties as cook, even though the night was already upon us. Richard and Enoch undertook to procure such additional stores from the quartermaster as might be necessary, and then I set about helping John in the task of making bread, which was not come to an end until midnight. We kept the fire roaring until the cabin was so hot that it seemed as if one might have roasted eggs on the companion-way steps, and then we had stored up in one of the bunks, from which the bed-clothing had been removed, as much of corn bread as I be- lieved a full company of militiamen could have de- voured in four and twenty hours of hard work. In the meanwhile Richard and Enoch had divided our company of Minute Boys into watches, so that two might be on duty all the time by standing tricks of an hour each ; but in this last work John Benson and I were not included, since those who perform cooks' duties are supposed to be exempt from taking part in the handling, or care, of the ship. We turned in by lying on the deck with a blanket beneath us to serve as bed, for it was so hot in the cuddy we could not have counted on gaining any sleep, and, as matters turned, we were not much bet- ter off in the open air, so far as slumber was con- cerned. At about two o'clock in the morning, when John and I had hardly more than fallen asleep, the sloop was hailed from the shore, and on Richard's an- swering it, he learned that half a dozen men were waiting to be brought on board. TURTLE BAY 297 As a matter of course the conversation which en- sued aroused John and me, and immediately we were on our feet to receive the first detachment of those who were to make the attack on Turtle bay. I had supposed that either Master Sears or Cap- tain Lamb, perhaps both, would be among the new arrivals, and was somewhat disappointed to learn that such was not the case. It appears, as we were told when the men had been taken aboard, that twenty- four had been selected for the work, and the orders were that they should leave the city singly and by different routes so far as pos- sible, that there might be no suspicion among the Tories anything out of the ordinary course of events was transpiring. " You will have a full compliment before to- morrow night," one of the men said to me, " and perhaps 'twixt now and rhorning. Even the militia- men in the encampment here are to remain in igno- rance of our purpose, and therefore it is that we come aboard in the night, when even our friends may not be able to see us." And so they did, until before sunrise we had in the hold and in the cabin four and twenty men, all of whom must perforce remain under cover during the next day, if so be we were not to set out until evening. Master Sears and Captain Lamb were among the last to come aboard, and one can well fancy the surprise and joy which was mine when some one seized me by the hands, and I heard the voice of my • father, as he said : " I am proud to know, lad, that you have shown yourself a man in this work. Colonel Willett told me that your company of Minute Boys were exceed- 298 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK ing all expectations for devotion to duty, and a soldierly idea of what should be done." " But how do you happen to be here with the Sons of Liberty, sir ? " I asked curiously, and he told me that it all came about by chance. He had arrived in New York City the morning before on some busi- ness connected with his Jamaica company, and also to make certain, in order to allay mother's fears, that I had come to no harm. Because he was so well known as a staunch Whig, Captain Lamb had told him of what was afoot, and he begged for an opportunity to have a share in the undertaking. " I was all the more eager to come, my boy, on learning that you and your comrades were so closely identified with the plan," he said, gripping me by the hands, and had it not been for the darkness he would have seen my cheeks crimson with pride because of the praise he had bestowed upon me. We two went forward, well into the bow of the sloop, where we could be comparatively alone, while father told me of what had taken place in Jamaica since that day when the Minute Men of the town- ship turned out for the first time, to meet Captain Hulet's Tories. Then in turn I told him of what we lads had done, and when the story was come to an end by my repeating the promise which General Wooster had made, father said, speaking gravely, and yet at the same time, oh, so kindly : " Your mother will be more than ever anxious because you are to be enrolled as a soldier in the Continental army, for even now, not knowing to what dangers you have been exposed, she frets con- cerning you every moment. But, my son, if these colonies of ours are to be freed from the oppression TURTLE BAY 299 of British rule, then must the lads as well as the men set their shoulders to the wheel, counting not the cost, whether it be of blood or of suffering, so that the end be gained. God grant that both you and I may be spared to rejoice over the birth of a new nation at which we have assisted ; but if so be neither of us is alive at the end of the struggle, your mother can but rejoice because we did our part to the best of our ability, and that whether we succeed or no. Even though we fail in the purpose, ours will be the honor and the glory of having made the beginning, by setting an example for those who come after us." There was very much more than I have set down said between my father and myself, for we remained together until the new day was fully come, and then parted only because it was necessary I should at- tend to my work as one of the crew of the Welcome. Because of the need for secrecy, these gentle- ' men who had come to us left the city unarmed, as can readily be understood, and now was it the busi- ness of us Minute Boys to take on board the sloop, without the fact being apparent to the militiamen, such weapons and ammunition as would be re- quired. To this end we each in turn went on shore, get- ting from the quartermaster a single musket and a certain amount of powder and ball. This could not arouse suspicion, since by putting two cannon on board the Welcome it would seem, to one ignorant of the matter, simply as if we were counting on going out ready to defend ourselves. Thus it was that after each of us had visited the quartermaster three times, going ashore empty- handed and coming back armed, we had put on board all that was needed, and this we did at inter- 300 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK vals during the day, seeming to be so careless that I question if any in the encampment, not already in the secret, came to suspect our real purpose. In the meantime, and with the sun shining down swelteringly hot, the gentlemen who had come out to seize upon the King's stores for the use of the Con- tinental army, remained in the Welcome's hold, thus giving proof to their love for the Cause, and verily it was good proof, for I question if one who simply reads the storycan understand how much of suffer- ing there was to those who remained hidden aboard the sloop, with no means of getting fresh air, save what came through the open hatch or the companion- way. It was like entering an oven when I went into the cabin, or through the door of the bulkhead, and although every man of them, even to Master Sears, had thrown off nearly all his clothing, the perspira- tion trickled in streams down their bodies until they were wet as if having just come up out of the river. We who could move about at will, getting the benefit of such light breezes as came across the decks, suffered woefully from the heat, and looked forward impatiently for the coming of night when we should be sheltered from the excessive heat of the sun. It can well be fancied that we lads also looked forward anxiously to the night, some with dismal forebodings, for it was certain the Britishers at Tur- tle bay would put up a stout fight to save the goods under their charge, and others with fear lest we fail in summoning such courage as they who serve the colonies should have. As for myself, I confess to being more than a bit weak-kneed at times, as I pictured to myself the scene when we sailed into the cove and the King's TURTLE BAY 3OI troops opened fire on us with intent to kill. I won- dered if I could stand as a lad should, when a dozen or more muskets loaded with ball were aimed directly at me, and made the mistake, as raw re- cruits often do, of believing that a goodly number of all our force must of necessity be killed by the first volley. During the day, whenever I got to brooding over' the possibilities of the future too deeply, I went into the hold, and there held converse with my father regarding what might be doing at Jamaica, striving in every way to take my mind from the possibility of the night, and yet, strange as it may seem, when night came I forgot the fears of the day. To remain idle, speculating upon danger, is far different from facing it when the heat and excite- ment of battle prevents one from thinking of what may happen. The day we spent at anchor off General Wooster's encampment, waiting for the time to come when we should set sail for Turtle bay, was the longest I ever knew. It seemed as if each second was a min- ute, and each minute nigh unto an hour; but it passed, as all days will whether for good or evil, and when the sun was near to setting Master Sears sent for me to come into the cabin, where were also Cap- tain Lamb and my father. " The tide will serve by this time, lad," he said, as if asking a question, and I replied: " It has just turned, sir." " What have you in the way of a breeze? " " A light wind is springing up from the south- 'ard, and we should come near to making a fair one of it." " Then you may get under way at once." 302 THE MINUTE BOYS OP NEW YORK I cannot set down in words, so that one may understand, how proud I was at being recognized by Master Sears as the captain of the sloop, while my father was present. To my mind it showed that I was considered of no little importance in the enterprise, and from that moment until the work was gloriously finished, I ceased to think of the possibility that a British bullet might find its billet in my body. There were but five of our lads on deck when I went out of the cabin to execute the command given by Master Sears — Richard, Enoch, John, James Ffolett and myself. The others of our com- pany were below, having been instructed to keep under cover after we had brought from the shore all the weapons and ammunition we might be need- ing. Although General Wooster had given no instruc- tions as to how we should begin the voyage, I was minded, remembering how nearly we came to grief at the inn on the Boston road because of lack of caution, to make it appear in the sight of any who might be on the river bank, as if we were a small crew, even though the gun on either bow must have given token that we had at least sufficient force to work them, in addition to taking charge of the sloop. At all events, so I argued with myself, it was as well if we did not show our company of Minute Boys, and not until night had fully settled down, when we were amid the swirling waters of Hell Gate, did I give the word that they might come out from their hot quarters. Then it was that all the men came up with them, as might readily be supposed, and I dare venture TURTLE BAY 303 to say never was anything more grateful to them than that cooling breeze which came out of the south, and was carrying us at fair rate of speed toward what might be hotter quarters in Turtle bay. I question if either Enoch or I would have dared to make an attempt to pilot the sloop through Hell Gate had the wind been variable, for we were not thoroughly acquainted with the winding channel, nor could we calculate to a nicety upon this eddy or that, and he who has ever made the dangerous pas- sage knows full well how slight an error of judg- ment is needed to put one's craft upon the rocks. I stood at the helm, with father close by my side, and when he saw me put the Welcome past this frowning rock, or into that dangerous swirl, he asked in surprise: " Since when did you come to know this channel, lad?" " Enoch and I have been on it in a skiff twice, and he took the sloop through here in the night when we were like to have been held prisoners by the Tories at the inn on the Boston road." " There is a great difference between a skiff and a vessel of this size," he said, shaking his head as if "^beginning to doubt my ability to carry them through safely, and I replied cheerily, for there was a great joy in my heart at being thus allowed to show my father that I was near to being a man, even though my years were few : " When one is working for so just a Cause as ours, sir, I believe the good Lord helps him." " And to my mind you are right, lad," my father said, as he lifted his hat reverentially. After that we spoke no more until we were come 304 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK through to the other side of Hell Gate, and then Captain Lamb began mustering the men in some- thing like soldierly fashion, for the time was near at hand when the bloody work must begin, unless we were minded to turn tail even before opening the venture. Now it was that the cannon were charged heavily with grape shot; the men buckled on their powder horns and shot pouches; the muskets were loaded, and during these preparations for battle no man spoke, save in a whisper. It was as if all fancied they were standing in the presence of death. My heart beat wildly with excitement, and there was such a humming in my head that it was with difficulty I understood what Enoch said, when he came to my side, and whispered : " Shall I take the tiller when we make to enter the cove ? " I was eager not to be deprived of such honor as would come to him who steered the sloop to what I surely counted would be a victory, and replied in a voice that quavered, not because of fear, but owing to the excitement of the moment : " Rather stand by my side, and say how she shall be headed, for I would be able to say in days to come that I was at the helm on this night." If Enoch had been one given to jealousy, then might he have insisted that the honor should be his, since he had already sailed the Welcome into the cove, and knew the channel; but never lived truer comrade than he, and without protest he did as I desired. Now we swung to starboard, and as the sloop entered the cove Captain Lamb said to me : " Put her within half a musket shot of the store- TURTLE BAY 305 house, if so be you can find water enough, and there let go your stern anchor." We had already made preparations for such moor- ing by having brought the heavy anchor aft, and I motioned for Richard and John, who stood nearby Enoch, to make ready for dropping it. "How far in may we stand?" I asked of my comrade. " Until one can leap ashore from the bow," he answered, and at that instant came a sharp cry, seemingly from the inside of the building. " Ahoy on the sloop ! Where are you heading for?" " Straight as we are running, to take possession of that store-house ! " Captain Lamb replied stoutly, and even as he spoke the men who had been crouch- ing behind the rail leaped up, as if thinking they could be seen in the darkness. He who had hailed remained silent while one could have counted ten, most likely wondering whether it might not be some of his own kidney who counted on having sport with him, and then he shouted shrilly: " Stand off ! Stand off, I tell you, or we'll open fire ! " " I call upon you to surrender, as the only means of saving your Uves ! " Captain Lamb cried, as he leaped on the rail amidships. " We are authorized by the Congress of the Colony of New York to take possession of that building, and have brought with us force sufficient for the purpose. Surrender, and you shall be given fair treatment ! " I could hear the sound of voices, sharp and quick ; but it was not possible to distinguish any words save " The rebels are upon us ! " Then, ere one had 3o5 THE MWUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK time to turn, came sharp flashes of light from the front of the building, followed by the whistling of bullets amid the rigging far above our heads. Those same sounds we lads had heard when the chances of being killed were far greater than now, for it was so dark that the lobster-backs could not have seen more than the shadowy outlines of the sloop, and my breath came not one whit the quicker, even though the battle I had been dreading during the past twelve hours was begun. So far as I could judge in the gloom, we were come as near to the shore as was safe, and I had but just given word to Richard that the anchor should be let go, when two terrific explosions shook the air, while it seemed as if the sloop was literally forced backward in the water. Following these reports came the splintering of wood when the cannon balls crashed into the build- ing, and then it was as if I stood in the midst of an army, with every man discharging his weapon, for there were flashes of light all around me as our men opened fire, while the crackling of musketry deafened one. Whether the enemy answered our fire I cannot say of my own knowledge, though it is reasonable to suppose they did ; but a thousand bullets might have come aboard, so they did not hit us, without our being any the wiser, because of the uproar. As soon as the sloop had been anchored, I went forward with Enoch to let go the halliards, for the wind was too strong to admit of our tackle's hold- ing while the canvas was set. The din of the muskets, the odor of burning powder, and the shouts of our excited men, aroused a sort of frenzy such as deprived me of all conscious- THE ATTACK ON THE STOREHOUSE. TURTLE BAY 307 ness save the desire to strike some blow that would be felt by those who wore the King's uniform. I did not even know that Enoch and I went into the cabin for our muskets, which had been stowed in one of the bunks, nor that we discharged them again and again until the barrels of the weapons were burning hot. I was brought to a realization of my surroundings only when Richard shouted loudly in my ear, as he strove to seize my musket : " Stop firing ! The lobster-backs have surren- dered! We have won the day, and now it only remains to pick up the prisoners, who seem eager to be taken in charge." Then I came to myself sufficiently to understand that the firing had ceased, and already were some of our people making ready to go on shore, when a burning thirst fastened upon me so fiercely that not until a full quart of water from the scuttle-butt had been poured down my throat, did it seem possible to breathe freely. " Oh, but you are a glutton at this kind of fight- ing ! " some one said, when I had quenched that terrible thirst, and, turning, I saw Enoch, his face showing black with powder stains even in the dark- ness, awaiting his turn at the warm, brackish water. " I didn't even know what I was about, nor would it be possible for me to say how long the battle lasted," was my reply, and he said in a choking voice, as he lowered the pannikin from his lips sufficiently to admit of speech: " I reckon the rest of us lads are no wiser. Talk about getting mixed up, why I never even thought there might be danger till I saw a lot of blood on the deck." 308 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Are any of our people killed ? " I cried in alarm. " None dead, I guess ; but five or six have been wounded right badly — " " Have you seen my father ? " I interrupted fiercely. " Ay, within the last minute. He was looking for you, and came up while Richard was trying to shake a little sense into your head. It didn't need any straining of the eyes for him to see that his son was sound in body, if not in mind, and he ran off at a command from Captain Lamb." We had entered Turtle bay, and whipped the lobster-backs who guarded the store-house! We Minute Boys had been in the thick of it all, and what is more, handled the sloop in good shape, therefore we would have given ourselves over to a season of rejoicing had there not been so much work cut out for us. Master Sears gave me instructions to make ready for getting under way as soon as the prisoners could be brought aboard, and our wounded taken into the hold, therefore we Minute Boys had our hands full, for there was much to be done. I had supposed we would return to General Wooster's encampment, and was wishing we might be allowed to wait until daylight before again at- tempting the passage of Hell Gate ; but by the time our hold was well filled with wounded, both Whigs and lobster-backs, and a squad of sorry-looking prisoners well in the bow, where they could be guarded by four or five of our people, the word was passed that we head for the city. It was broad day when we ran into Whitehall slip, and I would have given almost anything I TURTLE BAY 309 owned if Jacob Twining and his currish followers could have been somewhere near to see what we lads had aided in doing. My father remained aboard the sloop, he aiding Master Sears in taking charge of affairs, as it seemed to me, and because of his duties and mine there was little opportunity for conversation between us; but he stopped long enough to say, when the wounded and the prisoners had been taken ashore, with a great throng of curious ones looking on: " You are to go directly back to Turtle bay with the sloop, lad. All those stores must be freighted away, and upon you lads will fall the greater por- tion of the work. I shall tell your mother that you behaved in a manner that made me proud because you were my son, and I do not fear we shall have any reason to blush for you in the future." After such praise as that I could have done the work of a dozen men without feeling fatigue, and urged the lads here and there until we were ready to cast off, when Master Sears, coming close to my side, said: " You will bring here, to this slip, such goods as General Wooster decides upon, and when that task has been performed, I believe he will keep the prom- ise made your company." Then we got under way, and while standing up* stream with a brisk southerly wind, some of the lads scoured the blood-stains from the deck, others sweetened the hold by throwing out the stale straw, and Richard fried pork by the pound, while John served corn-bread and pork-fat to us lads, who were nigh to being famished, for it was high noon when we thus began to break our fast. CHAPTER XVIII SURPRISING JACOB We were come back to Turtle bay about sunset, owing to the fact that the wind was light arid the tide against us. There we found an hundred and fifty militiamen, who had been sent from the en- campment at Harlem to guard the captured stores until they could be taken where most needed, and we made the Welcome snug for the night, having been told that General Wooster himself counted on visiting the place early next morning. And now it is well if I pass over, with but few words, that which we did during the next two weeks, for instead of playing the part of soldiers, or even Minute Boys, we were no more than 'longshore freighters, carrying cargoes to the city, to Stamford, that the captured stores might be taken to the troops in Connecticut, or helping lade a vessel bound for Boston. It was heavy, wearying work, with no excitement about it whatsoever, and never a chance of winning fame for oneself; but it was aiding the Cause, and with that we forced ourselves to be content, as we looked forward to that time when General Wooster would keep the promise made before the battle of Turtle bay. The capture of the stores had been of the greatest importance to our people, and particularly the Con- tinental army near Boston, for they consisted of 310 SURPRISING JACOB 311 those munitions of war most needed by our men, and which could not otherwise have been procured save at the expense of much valuable time. While we were thus busied with what seemed ignoble work, matters were moving along rapidly in our colony of New York, and what came near to breaking the hearts of our Minute Boys, was the fact that we were not allowed to take part in that which would, had we behaved ourselves properly, have added much to our credit. Because we were forced to remain on board the sloop, freighting goods here and there, we only knew of what was going on after the tasks had been done, and if I should write out all that was said by our lads in the way of grumbling because we had no share in the brave proceedings, I might fill a large book, and yet set down nothing more than evidences of ill-temper at our seeming to be neg- lected after having done good work. First, I must say that Governor Tryon returned to New York in the frigate Asia, as had been rumored, and, as a matter of course, he at once set about trying to best the Sons of Liberty without daring to come out openly against them. There were less Tories in the city after the capture of the stores at Turtle bay, or, at least, they dared not show themselves so openly, and the governor was forced to be careful as to what he did, lest he come to grief. That the Sons of Liberty did not truckle to him, was shown when they took by force a schooner that was acting as tender to the frigate, and which had on board the greater portion of her stores. It was a fine adventure, and we Minute Boys should have been in it; but for some reason or 312 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK another Captain Lamb and Master Sears gave us the go-by completely, and we knew nothing of what was afoot until the tender was in possession of the Sons of Liberty, and sent with all the goods on board to Lynn, in the colony of Massachusetts, that her stores might profit the Continental army under Gen- eral Washington, which was then near Boston. Then again, on a certain night, while we were lying at Turtle bay, having been taking in the last of the stores captured at that place, our people got word that the Britishers had goods stored at Green- wich, which is, or was, a small settlement about half a mile to the westward of that inn three of us lads knew so well, and it was determined to seize these for the benefit of the Cause. This was an adventure which should clearly have been entrusted to us Minute Boys, since we knew the country thereabout exceeding well because of painful experience ; but we were passed over entirely, and the Sons of Liberty did the work themselves, thereby gaining all the credit, and leaving to us the disagreeable task of freighting the stuff away. More than once did our fellows come dangerously near mutiny, declaring they would go in a body to General Wooster and demand that he keep the promise made. It was all Richard, Enoch, John and I could do to hold them in check ; but this we suc- ceeded in doing, even though the sense of wrong was so great that it required all our strength of will to prevent it from overflowing in words which would have been much the same as treason to the Cause. Then came the day when we were able to strike a blow on our own account, the doing of which, al- though we little dreamed it might be so, resulted in SURPRISING JACOB 313 our being able to join the Continental army as real soldiers, even while calling ourselves the Minute Boys of New York City. We had taken on board the Welcome a full cargo of goods purchased with the King's money, having been ordered to carry it to some point near Boston where it could be delivered to General Washington, and had come around to Whitehall slip, counting to make the run outside of Long island, rather than take the chances of going through the sound, where it was likely we might be overhauled by some of the King's vessels cruising there to take on board cattle for the troops in Boston. It was about noon when we came into the slip, making fast because there was no wind, and but little promise of any. It would do us no good, and might result in harm, if we drifted down the harbor into the lower bay, providing we were able to get there, and John Benson proposed that we spend the afternoon ashore, going to his home for such a sup- per as we had not enjoyed since taking up our quarters on the sloop. The Welcome was no more than snugged down ship-shape, for we took good care the people ashore should not laugh at us for slovenly sailors, when some of the idlers passed the word that our Congress had but just ordered Captain Lamb, who was then in command of what we called the Continental artil- lery, to take all the cannon from the grand battery and the fort, in order to remove the same to a place of safety, which meant that our people had no idea of giving Governor Tryon an opportunity to take possession of them by manning the fortifica- tions with marines from the Asia. This was the boldest stroke our people in New 314 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK York had yet decided upon, and what made it all the more pleasing to us lads, was the fact that it had been publicly announced, as if to say to Governor Tryon that he was of no consequence in the colony, even though he had been commissioned by the King. One can well understand how wild with excite- ment we lads were. There seemed to be no ques- tion but that the commander of the frigate would take a hand in the matter, and if so, a battle would be fought in the streets of the city, for those who knew our Sons of Liberty even slightly, understood full well there would be no backing down on their part while life remained. It needs not for me to say that we Minute Boys had no thought of roaming around the city, or of spending any time at John's home, once this news was made known. The chances were that there would be bloody work before morning, and we counted on taking part as an independent company. Four of the lads were told off to guard the sloop, and given plenty of ammunition, with strict orders to fire upon any stranger who attempted to come on board without permission. It was hard, as I under- stood full well, to force these lads to remain idly on board when so much of importance to the Cause was likely to happen; but some were needed for the duty, and the choice had fallen upon them, therefore the only wise course was to obey with as pleasant a face as could be put on. The vexing part of the matter was that we could not learn what Captain Lamb's plans might be. Richard went on shore to offer the services of our company of Minute Boys; but failed to come upon him anywhere, and on returning to the sloop he reported : SURPRISING JACOB 31$ " Everything is in a state of confusion. The people are so excited, beheving a battle will be fought before morning, that one cannot get a sen- sible answer from any, and such soldiers as I saw are scurrying to and fro as if positive trouble is like to come at any moment. The only informa- tion I have been able to gain was given me by one who went with us to Turtle bay, and he predicts that Captain Lamb will muster his troops near Scott's tavern on Wall street, which, as you know, is where the committees of Congress meet." " Then we will go there, and in orderly array," I said without waiting to reflect upon what might be the proper course. " We will arm ourselves with the muskets taken on board at Harlem, and march as a company of Minute Boys should." " Without knowing when Captain Lamb's com- pany may decide to act upon the instructions given by Congress, we might be forced to remain on the streets many hours, and in that time it is quite pos- sible we would have trouble with the more turbulent of the Tories," Enoch said thoughtfully. " Would it not be better to send one of our company to the tavern, he to wait there till the troops begin to gather? Then we can be summoned in time to do our share of the fighting, without chance of being drawn into such a street brawl as would bring down upon our heads reproaches from those of our people in command." This advice was good, as could have been ex- pected since it came from Enoch Cebra, and we accepted it at once by sending John Benson to act the part of look-out. It was possible that he, above all others, might be able to get timely information of what was going on, because in case he saw his 3l5 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK father it would be easy to learn all the particulars. After John had gone ashore we lounged about the deck, trying not to appear disturbed in mind, for there were many on the slip who would have been only too glad to make sport of us, and the hours passed slowly until sunset, without our having heard from John. Then James Ffolett set us by the ears with his proposition that our comrade might have been at- tacked by some of the Tory lads, and was now a prisoner. I would have sent another of the com- pany ashore to find John, but Richard opposed me, declaring that at such a time, when it seemed as if a battle must be near at hand, the friends of the King would keep under cover until learning how matters might turn. It was well I did not act thus hastily, for shortly after eight of the clock John came down on the slip, running at his best pace and breathing heavily, whereupon I ordered the lads to get into line, know- ing the moment for action was near at hand. " Captain Lamb's men are mustering," he said, speaking with difficulty because of his heavy breath- ing. " Colonel Lasher is bringing up an independ- ent company, and says we may march directly in his rear. Master Sears is getting the citizens in line, and it will be a regular army that goes to Bowling Green." Two minutes later we Minute Boys were over the rail and in orderly array, ready to march in couples, when Richard, who had taken his rightful place as captain of the company, should give the word. In the distance we could hear a hoarse murmur, broken now and then by angry cries, and under- Stood that the people were in the mood for hot work, SURPRISING JACOB 317 if so be Governor Tryon, or the commander of the Asia, decided to interfere. Lying nearby in the stream, where her guns could be brought to bear upon the battery, was the frigate, her battle lanterns alight, showing her crew at quarters. " There's evidence enough that blood will be spilled," Enoch said, as he pointed to the king's ship while we marched side by side at the head of the company. " We believed it was possible to see somewhat of war at Turtle bay, but that was as nothing compared with this." " No matter what comes, we are in our rightful place, thus marching as Minute Boys should to the danger point, rather than freighting goods while others are gaining all the honors," I replied, and the lad said, as he gripped my arm : " We will be soldiers this night, lad, and such of us as may be alive when the sun rises again, shall turn freighters once more lest our company be accused of disobeying orders." By this time we were come to Scott's tavern, and from that moment until the task had been performed there was so much of excitement, and the blood flooded my brain to such an extent, that I hardly knew what was going on around me, therefore is it better if I copy here what I afterward saw in printed letters, rather than make the poor attempt at describing the affair in my own words. " Captain Lamb with his artillerymen, assisted by an independent corps under Colonel Lasher, a com- pany of lads from the sloop Welcome, and a body of citizens guided by King Sears, as the sturdy Son of Liberty was now called, proceeded to the battery at nine o'clock in the evening. 3l8 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK " Captain Vandeput, of the Asia, informed of the intended movement, sent a barge filled with armed men to watch the patriots. When they ap- peared, a musket ball was indiscreetly sent among them from the barge. " It was answered by a volley, when the barge hastened to the Asia, bearing several men killed and wounded. That vessel opened her port-holes, and sent three balls ashore in quick succession. " Lamb ordered the drums to beat to arms ; the church bells were rung, and while all was confusion and alarm, a broadside came from the Asia. Others rapidly followed, and several houses near the fort and Whitehall were injured by the grape and round shot, among them the tavern of Samuel Fraunce, on the corner of Broad and Pearl streets. " No life was sacrificed, but terror seized the peo- ple. Believing the rumor that the city was to be sacked and burned, hundreds of men, women and children were seen at midnight hurrying with their light effects to places of safety beyond the doomed town. " Yet the patriots at the battery were firm, and in the face of the cannonade every gun was deliber- ately removed, there being twenty-one iron eighteen- pounders, and a few smaller cannon." Not until we began the heavy work of dragging the cannon away did I come out of the fever of excitement sufficiently to have a clear idea of what was going on. Up to that time a throng of us had been emptying our guns at the frigate; even though there was no chance the bullets would carry so far ; but it seemed as if something by way of reply must be made, and the rattle of musketry, with the roar SURPRISING JACOB 319 of the ship's pieces, caused it to seem as if a fierce battle was in progress. The wild desire to kill came upon me, so that I was really unconscious of what we did, up to the moment when Master Sears forced us to the work of taking the cannon out of the battery. Until past midnight we worked with a will, the perspiration streaming down our faces until it was as if we had been dipped in the harbor, and when the last piece was on its way up the street Richard said, gripping me by the arm to make certain I was at last come to my senses : " It is high time we went back to the sloop. It has been in my mind this last hour that we had no right to leave her on such a night, when, amid the confusion, she might have been taken possession of by those enemies of the Cause who could warp her out under the guns of the frigate." I had no fear anything of that kind might have been done, but was eager to be on board the Wel- come once more, for what with the excitement and excessive labor, I was so nearly done up that the possibility of being able to stretch out at full length in one of the bunks was most gratifying. Our lads had kept well together while working, therefore but few seconds were spent in getting them in line, and we set off, marching in as good order as when we came ashore, until we arrived at the corner of Beaver and Broad streets, when Richard, who was leading, halted suddenly, holding up his hand to insure silence. We lads came to a full stop, remaining like stat- ues while the captain crept on ahead, being gone a full five minutes before coming back to startle us 320 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK with the report that Jacob Twining and one of his comrades were lurking around the corner of Broad street, as if bent on mischief of some kind. " I saw them creeping along as if striving to keep out of sight, and therefore brought you to a halt. So far as can be made out, they have not seen us, and by moving cautiously we may learn what's afoot." He could not have given more welcome informa- tion to us Minute Boys, even if he had announced that Boston had been taken by the Continentals, much as we hoped for that to be brought about. During the time of our freighting military stores we had neither seen nor heard of Jacob, but he had been much in our minds, and we yet hoped the day would come when it might be possible to settle with the cur according to his deserts. It was not needed that we spend many seconds laying plans, and indeed there was not time for any- thing of the kind, unless we were minded to let him give us the slip. In a twinkling we had forgotten that we were weary to the verge of exhaustion, for- gotten that we should be on board the sloop lest our enemies work mischief, but, separating that we might the better creep up on the Tory lads, were skulking about, keeping well within the darker shadows of the houses and the foliage, as we started off on his trail, Richard leading some distance ahead in order to keep him well in view. The scoundrels went at a fast pace down Broad street, until coming to the corner of Dock, where they were joined by a third, and at the moment of meeting Enoch and I were so close in their rear that by dodging behind a farmer's wagon which had been SURPRISING JACOB 321 drawn up near the Exchange, it was possible to hear very much of what was said. The Tories did not appear to have any idea we lads might be near at hand, for they had continued on their way without so much as looking behind, which accounts for our being able to get so near without detection. This third lad must have been left on guard, for he said as Jacob came up: " No one has been on the slip since I was stationed here. Couldn't you find any of the lads save Sam?" Then it was I understood, without seeing him, that Samuel Hastings was Jacob's companion, and involuntarily I dug my fingers deep in Enoch's arm that I might the better be able to control my excite- ment, for there before us were the very two of all that Tory crew I was most eager to come across. " There is no need of wasting time hunting for the others," Jacob replied, as he urged his com- rades forward up Dock street. " I am certain no more than four of the Whigs were left aboard the sloop, and some of them must be asleep by this time. If the three of us cannot best them, it stands us in hand to hide our heads." It was Enoch's turn to grasp me by the arm, un- derstanding as he did that these fellows were count- ing on capturing the sloop, and we waited long enough to tell Richard, who joined us by coming across the street, what had been overheard, before following the scoundrels. " Now is the chance to give Jacob Twining the surprise of his life ! " Enoch whispered, as we stole softly along, the remainder of the company close 322 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK at our heels. "If we do get our hands on that villain again, I'll take good care he be held where there's no chance to plot mischief, even if I have to cruise around with him in an open boat." " Be ready to dodge out of sight when they come; to the head of the slip, for then is the time the curs will look around to make certain no one is follow- ing them," I said, and a moment later we were; screened from view by the black shadows cast by a pile of lumber, while the Tories stood gazing in every direction. They most like believed we were yet at work hauling off the cannon, and if so be they could overpower the lads left to guard the sloop, but few moments would be needed in order to run her off, for the tide was strong enough to send her spinning toward the frigate. Therefore it was that we were forced to keep more closely at their heels than was safe, if we would surprise them at work, but fortune favored us on this night, if never before. By the time we were come to the head of the slip the Tories were on board, grappling with two of our lads, and Richard, understanding that we could not afford to linger just then, raised the cry for our comrades to close up quickly. We dashed down the dock at our best pace; but could not move quickly enough to capture all three, for one of the fellows went over the rail into the water like a frightened duck, just as we came up, and I'm thinking the other two would have fol- lowed his example, despite all their brave talk, had our guards not grappled with them. I was the first on deck, and seeing Jacob Twining struggling to release himself from the grasp of a SURPRISING JACOB ^2^ Minute Boy, I fastened upon his back in such man- ner that nothing less than a deadly wound would have caused me to slacken my hold. At almost the same instant Enoch was upon Sam Hastings, and when the rearmost of our fellows came up the work had been done in good shape. It did me solid good to hear Jacob rage and scream when we had passed a rope around his hands and feet, making him close prisoner! We dragged both of them into the cabin, not striving very hard to ease the passage down the companion-way, and then Richard was for using gags lest they bring others of the same kidney to the sloop. " Let them come, as many as are eager for a tussel. Two of these curs are not enough to satisfy me ! " I cried, and Jacob snarled : " You may not have any better luck holding me than when you tried it before, you miserable Ja- maica Whig! The day is near at hand when the enemies of the King will find this city too hot to hold them." " All that may be true, though I doubt it greatly ; but even if it comes you will not be here to see it, because both you lads are bound for Boston 'twixt now and dayhght — leastways you'll get so near that town as to have a good view of our Continental army." At these words the weak-kneed Tory actually turned pale, and with sight of his terror a new plan came into my mind. Until this moment there had been no thought in my mind other than that we would turn them over to Captain Lamb or Mas- ter Sears ; but now I cried to the lads around me : " What say ? Shall we not give them the oppor- 324 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK tunity of their lives to see the army? I dare ven- ture to say we will find good Whigs there to hold them fast, but if not, it should be an easy task to keep the two aboard till we come back to have a hand in driving the Asia from the harbor." I could see that both Enoch and John were in favor of the plan so hastily formed, and it needed but few words to convince the other members of the company that the thing should be done. The only question was as to where we might keep the curs, for the hold was so full that we could not find place there, and the voyage might be prolonged many days; but John settled the matter by propos- ing that we take the bulkhead door from its hinges, when we could so work the stores about as to make space for them. All this we did before giving any heed to the repose we so sadly needed, and as we burrowed among the captured stores both the Tories begged like cowards for liberty, promising everything, even to turning Whigs, if we would set them free. Knowing full well that they would not keep a promise while turning around, and bent on putting them where they could do no further mischief, we turned a deaf ear to all entreaties, and finally had a snug hole just inside the bulkhead, where they might be imprisoned securely. When it was understood that we would not be turned from our purpose, the Tories grew sulky, and submitted in silence to whatever we might do, which was the wisest course for them, because we were in the humor to forget they were prisoners and helpless, if very many threats were made. When they were stowed away, unable to move anything save their heads, I went on deck for a SURPRISING JACOB 325 breath of fresh air, it being cruelly hot in the cabin, and on coming out into the open found that a gen- erous breeze had sprung up from the south, where- upon I called out to Enoch, asking if it was to his mind that we set sail at once. " We will be forced to go close alongside the frigate, and since she has begun to burn powder, the chances are we might get a shot from one of her big guns, which would settle the Welcome in short order," he said doubtfully, yet I knew from his tone that he was in the mood to take chances. " Nearly every one on board seems to have turned in for the night, and I suspect they wouldn't bother their heads with such small fry as us, even though all were on the alert. There is little excitement in peppering a sloop, after trying to destroy a city." " All hands on deck ! " Enoch shouted instead of making reply to me, and on the instant he was cast- ing off the hawsers. We were out of the slip before Richard and John fairly understood what was afoot, and then there was no time for protests, because the sloop was standing within half a pistol-shot of the king's frigate. Much to my surprise the watch on deck the big ship did not consider us of sufficient importance to spend breath in hailing, and with the water bubbling musically under our stem we swung past the battery from which we had drawn the teeth, and so into the lower bay. It is at this point that I should bring my halting tale to a close, for what we did as Minute Boys of New York City has been told. The voyage to Boston was as smooth sailing as the veriest coward could wish to see. Never a sail did 326 THE MINUTE BOYS OF NEW YORK we sight until coming into what is called Nahant bay, where we had been told would be found those who were instructed to take charge of the sloop that her cargo might be safely landed, and the wind favored as if it had been oi-dered especially for our convenience. During the voyage the Tories remained mute as fishes, not only because they were seasick during a greater portion of the time, but owing to the fact that, finding themselves really bound for Massa- chusetts Colony, where Tories were not overly much in favor, they were too greatly frightened to make any talk. Within four and twenty hours after our arrival we had a long interview with General Ward, of the Continental army, and, because of his friendly ques- tioning, were emboldened to tell him very much of that which had happened to us since the time we decided to call ourselves the Minute Boys of New York City. He agreed with us that we had earned the right to be received as an independent company, but claimed that we ought to enlist enough boys near- about Boston to make our number up to fifty, when he pledged his solemn word that we should be re- ceived as recruits. He was also so kind as to approve of our bring- ing Jacob Twining and Samuel Hastings away, and, upon his promising that the two lads should be kept where they could do no more mischief to the Cause, we delivered the Tories over to his keeping as soon as the Welcome was come up to the harbor where they could be taken off. It would be a labor of love if I could continue this tale to tell how we persuaded the lads of Cam- SURPRISING JACOB 327 bridge, Charlestown and the towns nearabout to join our ranks, until we had the required number of good rWhigs, even though they were young. Then I would like exceeding well to set down all we did, while Richard Mayo continued as our captain, after we were really become a part of that grand Con- tinental army which finally drove the Britishers out of Boston; but it would be so long a story as to weary the most kindly disposed reader, therefore I must come to that word which brings this task of mine to a close. I know only too well that I have failed of telling all that was done by our people during the first half of the year 1775 ; but it was not my purpose to set down other than that in which we had part, therefore as to how our people made ready to read the King a lesson, he who is interested must gain the information from books written by those who are called historians, rather than by him-whose only claim to your attention is that he aided in forming that company known as the Minute Boys of New York City. THE END liiiiiii