CHAPTER XVII
TELLS OF A RIDE THROUGH THE WILDERNESS AND OF HOW TICONDEROGA'S GUNSBEGAN THEIR JOURNEY
For two days Ezra Prentiss was burdened with the thought of what he haddone. His friends wondered at his pale face and dejected manner; theyquestioned him, but could get nothing but evasive replies.
But one morning as the lad arose he determined to have done with it all.
"If I have misserved the colonies," said he, "I am not fitted to be atliberty."
Within an hour he was at the quarters of General Putnam; and a fewmoments later found him in the presence of that bluff warrior.
"Well," inquired Putnam, who was still at breakfast, "and what is itnow, Master Prentiss, that you should be so intent of face?"
Ezra, in as few words as possible, told his story. Putnam went on withhis breakfast, listening and making no comment. When the tale was donehe leaned back in his chair and looked at the lad with pursed lips.
"The situation was a pretty one," said he. "It was do your stern dutyand send your grandsire to his death; or allow him to go free and thosetwo rascals with him. In the same position," continued he, a twinkle inhis eye, "I should have been tempted to do as you have done, and nodoubt I should have done it."
"But do you not see what danger I have placed this mission of ColonelKnox in?" cried the lad.
"I must say that I do not," said Putnam, good-humoredly, as herecommenced upon his breakfast. "Ticonderoga and Crown Point are in thehands of our people and are well guarded. There are not enough Britishtroops in Canada to make an advance upon them; and for Gage to doanything is out of the question.
"The only thing that could be done would be a secret expedition by thisman Abdallah and any followers that he might have. And even that wouldbe so difficult as to make it all but impossible. So make your mindeasy, my lad. You have done no great harm."
Ezra went surprisedly from the presence of Putnam. But he was notsatisfied, and at once sought Colonel Knox at Washington's headquarters.This young soldier listened to the boy's frankly told story. When it wasdone, he said with a smile:
"Perhaps this will hasten our departure a trifle, but that is all. Don'tworry about what you have done. Under the circumstances your action wasperfectly natural. None of us is a Brutus. All of us would find it hard,I hope, to give up those nearest to us to death."
But for all that Colonel Knox thought that the advent of the spies wouldhasten his movements, the start was not made until the following month.During the interim, Ezra suffered keenly. A dozen times the delay seemedmore than he could endure. His imagination teemed with pictures ofhappenings at the two strongholds in the wilderness; in his sleep he sawparties of British take them a score of times; he witnessed the sinkingof the heavy guns in the depths of the lake; he saw Abdallah's and JasonCollyer's grins of derision at his frantic, dream-heavy efforts toprevent this; and always he'd awake crying out to his friends to come tohis aid.
More than once he reached the point, in his desperation, of saddling hishorse with the idea of setting out alone.
"If I ride on in advance, I may be able to spoil any plan that they mayhave laid," he told himself.
But each time, second thought showed him how profitless such an effortwould be. He must wait for Colonel Knox, if he was to be of any value.Alone he could accomplish nothing.
His heart leaped one evening when he received word that the expeditionwould start early next morning. At the time the intelligence reached himhe was standing within the Roxbury works, watching the cannonade of theBritish, which had broken out from shore batteries and shipping a shorttime before. The roar of the guns was in perfect harmony with theexultation that filled the boy's breast.
"At last," he cried to Ben Cooper, who had brought the news, "at lastI'll have a chance to do something."
Ben, like the other boys, had heard nothing of Ezra's experience uponthe night at "The Honest Farmer"; so now he stared in wonderment at hisfriend's display of feeling. But as Ezra made no explanation, the otherasked no questions; however, he now and then stole a curious look at theflushed boy at his side.
"Something's wrong," Ben told himself. "I've noticed that he's actedvery queerly of late. Whatever it is, it's got a deep hold on him, for Idon't remember ever seeing him look just this way before."
At sunrise next morning a well-equipped troop of horse was drawn upbefore Colonel Knox's quarters. Beside Ezra, Nat, Ben, George andScarlett, there were a dozen hardy young fellows whose bold faces andstalwart frames told of a willingness to face hardship and the power toendure it. They were all armed with rifle and pistol; axes hung at theirsaddles; heavy coats and blankets for use amid the rigors of the Northcountry were strapped securely behind them.
When Knox at last appeared and mounted, the troop rode to Washington'squarters. Here both the commander-in-chief and General Putnam reviewedthem.
After nodding his approval of both the party's appearance and equipment,Washington said:
"How long shall you be on the way?"
"I calculated some two weeks for the going, general," replied the youngcolonel. "But we shall be longer upon the return trip, for then we shallhave the guns."
Putnam laughed at this confident answer. A flicker of a smile crossedWashington's grave face; but there was a light of satisfaction in hiseyes as he said:
"That you will have them, colonel, I feel sure."
Following the example of the officers, the troop saluted; then at theword, they wheeled and went at a swinging pace through the streets ofCambridge.
The way north was rough--sometimes even trackless. But there was with theparty a youth of the name of Bennet, who had been one of Allan's GreenMountain Boys, and had been with that gallant leader at the taking ofthe two strongholds of the North. He knew every mile of the way, was ofvast service in pointing out fords, locating towns, and picking shortways through the forests and hills.
Sometimes they passed the nights at isolated villages; at others theycamped in sheltered spots and rolled themselves in their blankets uponthe ground. The air grew chiller as the days went by; and as theyapproached the cold lake regions it grew more so. Their heavy coats andwarmer clothing felt very comfortable by the time the first snow fell.
"And now," said Colonel Knox one morning to Ezra, as he surveyed thewild, snow-covered stretch before him with no little satisfaction, "isthe time to collect our sledges. Horses or oxen we shall also want; andmen to drive them would not be at all amiss."
The troop was that day split up into parties with orders to make a sweepof the region for sledges and teams as they advanced. They covered agood dozen miles of country in their progress and from the first luckwas with them. Sledges were to be had with gratifying frequency, alsoteams of oxen and shaggy, powerful looking horses. Young backwoodsmenwilling to venture upon the journey as drivers were also to be found.Faint echoes of the war had reached them in their remote villages; tosee a troop of uniformed men belonging to the army of their country gavethem a thrill of expectancy and filled them with a desire to go wherethe issue of the battle was drawn, where blows were being struck, andthe far-off King defied.
Ezra Prentiss, Ben Cooper and Scarlett formed one party of sledgehunters. The section given them to cover was rough and boulder-strewn,with only here and there a dirt road or path. Houses were infrequent andclearings in the thick woods rarer still. It was a country of trappersand hunters rather than of farmers; now and then one of these hardyfellows was seen making a tour of his traps or wading in a cold streamwith the fresh pelts of fur-bearing animals hanging from his belt.
Once, however, they heard the distant ring of an axe; they made theirway through a thick growth of timber and came upon a log house where ayoung woman and child were visible. Some little distance off a young manwas seen cutting down a tree. When they approached him and made theirerrand known, he looked surprised.
"You've been through this section before, haven't you?" he asked.
"No," replied Ezra.
The look of sur
prise upon the young man's face deepened.
"That's queer," he said. "Tom Hadley, who lives down the creek aways,was in Skenesboro a couple of weeks ago for provisions; and he met a manwho inquired about sledges and offered to buy up all that he could get."
A shock ran through Ezra.
"Did Hadley say what kind of a man he was?" he asked.
"Yes; he was tall and well made. And Tom said he looked like some kindof a foreigner."
Ezra felt sure that it was Abdallah, but desired to make sure.
"He was a rough spoken kind of a man too, I suppose," he insinuated.
But the backwoodsman shook his head.
"No," he replied. "It was just the other way. Tom says the man was thesmoothest talker and had the softest ways of any man he ever struck."
"They are ahead of us," thought Ezra in a sort of panic. "They will havesecured all the sledges and horses--we will be left helpless to doanything."
But that night when the troop drew together at the point named for thecamp, the boy found Colonel Knox very well pleased indeed. Five drivershad been picked up, three span of oxen and some half dozen heavysledges.
When Ezra told him what he had heard, Colonel Knox said:
"They seem very enterprising; but we have no occasion for worry, forthey seem to be meeting with little success. And even did they collectall the sledges on the route, don't forget that we could change ourroute. Another thing; there is plenty of timber; we could build our ownsledges, if put to it."
Ezra saw the truth of this. But still he could not help a feeling offear, for he knew that Abdallah was a man of resource and daring; andwhat a person of that sort would do next was never to be guessed.
When they reached Shoreham, Colonel Knox had collected forty-two sledgesin all. These were at once hauled across the frozen lake to the fort andthe officer in charge made acquainted with the nature of the expedition.
No time was lost by the energetic Knox. The very next day he set to workselecting what cannon he thought would be required, both at Ticonderogaand Crown Point. His band of hardy adventurers, ably assisted by thelittle garrison of the forts, loaded these securely upon the sledges. Inall there were thirteen brass and twenty-six iron cannon; eight brassand six iron mortars. Also there were twenty-three hundred pounds oflead for bullets, and a barrel of flints.
All was ready one night and as Colonel Knox desired to have nothingdelay him, he gave the order to move at once.
"To-night," he said, "the ice upon the lake will bear us. To-morrowmorning it may be so that we could not venture across."
NO TIME WAS LOST BY KNOX]
The oxen were being yoked and the horses harnessed to the sledges whenEzra approached his commander with a salute.
"Colonel," said he, anxiously, "would it not be well to send out anadvance? The ice, even now, may not be as safe as you think."
There was something in his tone that attracted Knox's attention.
"What has made you think that?" asked he.
Ezra flushed in the light of the pine torches.
"Since the night of which I told you," said he, "I have been so anxiousthat my nerves and senses often play me false. It may be so now, but awhile ago," and his eyes went out across the frozen stretch of water,striving to pierce the darkness that overhung it, "I thought I saw aglimmer of light out there."
"It was probably the ice throwing back the flashing of the torches,"said Colonel Knox. "But," kindly, "if you have any doubts in the matterit would be as well to settle them at once. Suppose you take a few menand look about before we start with the guns."
"Thank you, colonel," said the lad, gratefully, "I shall do so."
He at once called together Nat, Ben Cooper, Scarlett and his brotherGeorge.
"See to your arms," he said, quietly. And as they examined the primingof rifle and pistol, he continued: "We are going to cross the lake inthe most direct route. Let no one speak unless compelled to; and eventhen, not above a whisper."
All five left the circle of light and advanced across the ice. They hadpulled heavy moccasins over their boots upon approaching the lake in thefirst place, in order to secure their footing upon the smooth surface;these now deadened their footfalls as they carefully made their wayalong.
Almost two-thirds of the distance had been traversed when Ezra suddenlypaused. His outstretched hands brought the others to a halt also.
"Hark!" said Ezra, softly.
All stood motionless for a time. At length Nat Brewster whispered:
"I fancied that I heard something, but I could not make out what itwas."
Here Nat felt Ezra's hand close over his arm in a powerful grip. At oncehe became silent and all stood bending forward, listening once more.
From some distance across the ice came a faint, rasping noise. Now andthen a quicker and heavier sound reached them. It was as though blowswere being struck.
"Do you understand?" breathed Ezra. "Some one is cutting through theice! It's a trap! The sledges are to cross this way."
The sharp hissing of indrawn breaths told him that they appreciated thesituation.
"That rasping, now, is made by a saw," said Scarlett, guardedly. "I cansee their plan, whoever they are. And a rarely pretty one it is. Theywill saw, in part, a stretch of ice that we were almost sure to cross.When we reached it, the ice would give way, and we, perhaps, but thecannon surely, would go to the bottom of the lake."
"Ready with your rifles," whispered Ezra.
Softly they stole forward. Clearer and clearer grew the sounds, andfinally they were able to discern a dozen or more laboring forms in thedarkness.
"Now," said Ezra, as he sank to one knee and threw his rifle forward,"fire when I give the word."
His comrades crouched beside him, their weapons leveled. And just thenthere came the gentle voice of Abdallah through the dimness.
"I think this will be a surprise, Jason Collyer. What do you say?"
A chuckling laugh followed this, apparently from the ferret-faced youngman. And just then Ezra spoke the word, the five rifles rang out and achorus of shrieks rang out in the stillness. There was a huddle offalling men, a scattering of others, then Ezra shouted:
"The pistols!"
Like lightning the heavy pistols were drawn; angrily they spat theirmessengers into the darkness in the direction of the running feet. Fromthe direction of Ticonderoga came a swirl of moving lights. Then a scoreof men hurried up, Colonel Knox at their head; and their flaring torcheslit up the scene.
"You were right, then," said Knox as he took in the situation at aglance. "And it was just such a trap as we would have walked intoblindly."
A half hour later, the sledges, with their precious burden of guns,crossed the lake at a point higher up; and away they trailed through thewilderness, over the snow, while behind them, among the others, layJason Collyer and Abdallah, their darkened eyes turned up toward thestarless sky.
CHAPTER XVIII
CONCLUSION
The snow was deep and the sledge teams had heavy going at first. But,after a few days, the snow began to pack, and the progress of ColonelKnox's party became more easy. There was little or no difficulty withthe streams; these were frozen solid, for the winter had developed intoa remarkably severe one.
However, fresh falls of snow now and then impeded their advance, andthey were content to make very few miles a day; but they pushed doggedlyon, nevertheless, for they knew that their burden was urgently needed atCambridge.
It was at Fort George that Ezra and Ben Cooper left the party and rodeforward to Boston bearing the news of the expedition's success.
The lads never forgot the look of triumph that swept into Washington'sface as he read the dispatch. Generals Putnam and Ward and ColonelPrescott were with him at the time and he read the missive aloud tothem. It ran:
"'December 17th.
"'I hope in sixteen or seventeen days to present to your Excellency a noble train of artillery, the inventory of which I have enclosed.'"
Th
en he read the inventory, and the boys saw the eyes of the otherofficers kindle.
"Now that," cried Putnam, striking the table a mighty blow, "issomething like!"
"It would seem," commented General Ward, "that fortune has thought itworth while to smile upon us for once, at any rate."
"With the shells and powder from the King's stores at New York and thecargo of the ordnance brig lately captured," spoke Prescott, "we nowhave a comparative plenty of ammunition. What is there now to hinder usfrom moving to the reduction of Boston?"
"Nothing but the opportunity of doing so without injury to those of ourown people who are still therein," replied the commander-in-chief.
Great events had happened in the past few months. Not the least of thesewas the recall of General Gage by the British ministry and theappointment of Howe in his place. Washington had practically dischargedone army and recruited another in the face of the enemy. The colonieswere making a united effort toward liberty; for until this time NewEngland had borne alone the brunt of the uprising.
The lads found the Porcupine at their quarters, and in a conversationwith that small but very shrewd person, they learned a great deal ofwhat had taken place.
"Last month," said the dwarf, as he sat cross-legged before them upon awide settle, while they ate of the good food set before them, "there wasa party of British light infantry landed at Lechmere's Point. Theydesired to take off some cattle; but Colonel Patterson and our riflemenobjected and there was a brisk fight in which the British were drivenoff."
"Have our men been keeping their hearts up?" asked Ezra.
"Fairly well. But last month things were very bad indeed in this camp.We had nothing--no food to speak of, no quarters to keep out of theweather, no fire to warm ourselves by, no clothing but rags to hide ournakedness."
"Well," remarked Ben Cooper, "so long as it was kept from the knowledgeof the British, it was not at its worst."
"But it was not kept from their knowledge," returned the Porcupine."General Howe knew of our situation all the time!"
"And he did not attack!" cried Ezra, wonderingly.
"He had been expecting reinforcements, so our spies learned," repliedthe dwarf with a wise nod of the head. "And as they did not arrive, hekept waiting. You know," and here a wide grin spread across thespeaker's face, "that he's tried our mettle once, and so he was in nohurry to do so again without a good force behind him."
"And the general?" asked Ben, "how did he take it all?"
"He went about as calm as the morning," replied the Porcupine in highadmiration. "You'd never have thought but what everything was as well asit could be. He seemed always planning and building defenses. GeneralPutnam was told to occupy and fortify Cobble Hill. Two half moonbatteries were thrown up between Lechmere's Point and Cambridge River.Three places between Sewall's Point and Roxbury Neck were alsostrengthened, to be manned in case of a sortie when the bay is frozenover."
"But that things have taken a turn, I can see plainly," said Ezra. "Thecamp has a brisk look; the men look content; the officers hold theirheads high."
"It all began with Captain Manly's capture of the 'Nancy' brig," saidthe Porcupine. "Ah, there is a brave and enterprising officer; if thereare many on the sea like him, they'll give the King's admirals troubleenough."
"The 'Nancy' is probably the ordnance brig we heard Colonel Prescottmention," said Ben to Ezra.
The Porcupine nodded his head.
"It's more than likely," said he. "All have talked of it more or less.You see Captain Manly, who is in command of the 'Lee,' took the 'Nancy'as she came into the bay, and carried her into Cape Ann. And she provedto be a most wonderful treasure ship--crammed to the hatches withmilitary stores of every sort."
"Excellent!" cried both listeners together.
"So full was she, and so struck was General Washington by her value,that he at once sent a strong guard to protect her. He felt sure thatthe British would not rest until they had done something to recover avessel so desirable."
"And did they?"
"They had not the time, so prompt were the general's orders, and sorapidly were they carried out. Teams were impressed, the minutemen aboutCape Ann were called out to give their help; and in a little while thecargo was discharged and removed to a safe place within our lines."
"Now that was an admirable stroke of fortune," cried Ben Cooper. "Thestores must have pleased everybody much, to change the complexion ofthings so."
"They would have pleased a king," said the Porcupine. "There were twothousand muskets; one hundred thousand flints, thirty thousand roundshot for one, six and twelve-pounders; thirty tons of musket shot;eleven mortar beds; and one great thirteen-inch brass mortar that weighsnot an ounce less than twenty-seven hundred pounds."
"A most astonishing ship, indeed!" said Ezra Prentiss.
"Then there came powder and shells from New York about the same time.Barracks were built to house the troops during the severe weather. Otherships were taken by Captain Manly and seamen of his quality. Among thecargo were thousands of uniforms intended for the British soldiers, andhundreds of barrels of salt beef and pork; woolen goods in vastquantities; flour, hard biscuit and other things were taken. And, sothen, as we were very well off, indeed, the recruits began to take heartand offer themselves for service: the regiments are filling up, and wewill soon be quite strong once more."
"But the British," asked Ezra, "how do they like all their winter's wearand provisions falling into other hands?"
"Why," answered the dwarf with a shake of his big head, "they endure itvery ill indeed. As we advanced into comfort, so did they fall in need.Fuel and food are very high in Boston at this time; and the citizens aresuffering much more than the soldiery. Some few vessels have gottensafely by our privateers, but Howe has kept their stores for the use ofhis troops."
"They have made no advance, then?" said Ben.
"Rather they have fallen back," answered the dwarf, and he grinneddelightedly. "They had begun to build barracks on Bunker Hill, butbuilding materials were so scarce, the winds grew so keen, and the snowfell so constantly that Howe at length bid Clinton strike his tents andreturn to Boston. Lieutenant-Colonel Agnew and seven hundred are left toman the three redoubts that are now upon the hill."
The middle of December found Boston all but upon the verge ofstarvation. The townspeople were desperate and Lord Howe feared thatthey might rise against him. He offered to allow any of those whodesired to leave the city, and like Gage, covertly threatened the torchin case he were attacked from within. As a protection from an assault byWashington, which he daily dreaded, there came an outbreak of smallpoxamong his troops.
"That will keep the rebels out, even if our guns fail to do so," hesaid.
British cannon were planted all about in the city's hills and openplaces; its churches and unoccupied houses were torn down by thesoldiers for fuel; Faneuil Hall was a playhouse in which mockingcomedies were presented; Old South Church was used as a riding school.Under a strict martial law the people of the city were all butprisoners. Thousands now took advantage of Howe's permission, crossed inboats to Point Shirly and dispersed into the country.
On the first day of January, in that most memorable year of 1776, thefirst continental flag was thrown to breeze, and as its thirteen stripesrippled at the top of the pole, it was saluted with tremendous shouting;and thirteen guns were fired by way of a salute. Upon the same day, theKing's speech upon the opening of Parliament was received in camp. Forthe first time the Americans heard that King George contemplated thehiring of foreign troops to help subdue them. At this, their rage waswithout bounds; they hooted the King, his Parliament and his army; thenthey burnt his speech and otherwise bid him defiance.
A little later than this came the news of the American defeat at Quebecand the death of the heroic young Montgomery, whom Washington hadselected to lead the expedition against that city. Appeals were thensent out to various colonies to hurry some fresh regiments to Cambridge;and Congress formally authorized Wash
ington to attack Boston at any timeand in any manner that he thought most efficient.
When the army was finally in sufficient strength to warrant his sodoing, Washington took the step that he long knew would bring himvictory or defeat.
"It will bring on a general attack," he was heard to say; "we willeither be forced from our position, or the British will be compelled totake to their ships."
This step was the occupation of Dorchester Heights. From this elevationWashington could reach Boston with the heavy guns from Ticonderoga,which had in the meantime been brought in by Colonel Knox. It was Marchwhen preparations were begun, and Ezra and his friends were in the thickof the matter.
Gilbert Scarlett was especially valuable in the designing ofchandeliers, fascines and such like, necessary in the erection of theworks; also with the aid of his boy friends, he worked with the spiritof a dozen in the collection of bateaux in which to transport the men.
When the time for movement arrived, Washington had forty-five of theseclumsy craft, each capable of seating eighty men. Two floating batterieswere held with them in the Charles River; hundreds of militia camepouring into camp to lend what aid they could to the enterprise.
The design was kept secret; to divert the attention of the enemy a briskbombardment and cannonade was begun on the night of the second of March,from Cobble Hill, Roxbury and Lechmere's Point. Many houses wereshattered by this fire; the British returned it with spirit, but didlittle damage. On the night of March fourth this was repeated, and aboutseven o'clock, General Thomas with about two thousand men marched totake possession of Dorchester Heights. The entrenching tools, under careof a large detachment, were sent on ahead; later the main body, withthree hundred carts, loaded with fascines and twisted hay, followed.
All night the Americans labored; the moon was brilliant, the gunsroared, the arching shells burst high in the air. And when morningdawned, two forts were in a sufficient state of advancement to resistsmall arms and grape-shot.
If the British had been surprised to see the works raised in a nightupon Breed's Hill, they were astounded at the sight of those which nowmet their gaze upon Dorchester Heights.
"It looks like the work of twelve thousand men," declared Lord Howe tohis generals. "The rebels have done more in one night than my army hasdone in a month. The genii must have aided them."
These works commanded both the harbor and town of Boston. The Britishadmiral at once decided that the fleet could not ride in safety unlessthe Americans were displaced.
"We must do one of two things," he told General Howe. "The Yankees mustbe driven from that post, or we must evacuate Boston."
This enraged the governor. He had a very high notion of British honorand military superiority.
"They will be driven from the Heights," he declared, grimly.
At once he went to work. Twenty-four hundred men were ordered to embarkin transports, rendezvous at Castle William and make a night attack uponthe American position. The command of this force was given to thegallant Earl Percy, the same who had come to the retreating column underLieutenant-Colonel Smith as it fell back in defeat from Lexington in thespring before.
Washington saw this movement and sent two thousand men to reinforceGeneral Thomas; and with the reinforcement marched Ezra Prentiss and hisfriends. Everywhere among the Americans was anxiety to meet the foe.
"I never saw such high spirits anywhere," said Nat Brewster.
"Every man on the Heights seems exultant," said Ezra. "They seem tothink victory is ready at their hands."
"And a right good thought that is for men about to engage a hostileforce," observed Gilbert Scarlett.
"Did you see the rows of barrels?" asked George Prentiss. "They arefilled with earth, and have been placed in front. Upon the enemies'advance they will be rolled down the hillside upon them."
While things were being made ready, General Washington appeared upon theground to inspect what was going forward and to cheer up the troops.
"Remember, men, it is the fifth of March," he said. "Avenge the deathsof your brethren shot down in Boston."
At fort Number Two, near Cambridge, a fine body of four thousand troopswere paraded and made ready to assault the British lines. This wasarranged into two divisions; one was under General Greene, the otherunder General Sullivan--and the whole under command of General Putnam.
But the fight was not to be just yet. The wind blew up so furiously thatthe British transports could not reach their destinations; and the surfwas too heavy for boats to have made a landing.
The next day the British attack was still further delayed for the samereason; and all the time the Americans were increasing the strength oftheir works.
"I can find it in my heart to be sorry that the attack was not made,"Washington said to his generals. "Everything was complete for thereception of the enemy; we can hardly hope for a repetition of the sameconditions."
Howe was forced to abandon his project and his troops returned toBoston. His situation was now perplexing and critical. The fleet couldnot ride at anchor because of the positions of the American batteries,and the British army was unable to drive them from these positions. TheBoston Tories, in a panic of fear of what might happen, demanded theprotection which had long been guaranteed. No dispatches had beenreceived from London for a long time.
"It looks," grumbled the British officers, "as though we'd been left toget out of a bad scrape as best we can."
"To remain in Boston," said General Howe to the Tories, "will put mytroops in great danger."
"But if you don't remain, you will put us loyalists, and all property,in equal danger," promptly answered Ruggles, the Tory leader.
But Howe was now looking at the other side of the picture. The fate ofproperty was nothing to him when his army was in the balance. When hehad assumed command, he had written the ministry many reasons why Bostonshould be held. But with the great guns upon Dorchester Heights frowningdown upon him, he saw many reasons why he should abandon it.
Washington desired to gain possession of the city above all else; but hewished to do so without bloodshed if it could be done. However, he wenton with his preparations. On the ninth he planted a battery on Bird'sHill and began firing upon the British shipping. Nook's Hill was aneminence greatly feared by Howe and his officers. All along they hadfelt that if the Americans established themselves upon it, Boston would,indeed, be at their mercy.
Washington now directed that Nook's Hill be occupied. A strongdetachment was sent there in the night. While the guns were beingbrought up, Ezra Prentiss noted a soldier impudently kindling a firebehind the hill. He sprang toward the man, crying:
"Hello! Put that out!"
The man was a surly fellow and made a short reply. Ezra, withoutparleying, kicked the blazing wood about and began trampling upon it.But it was too late, the enemy saw the light, suspected what was goingforward, and began to fire. This was the beginning of a night of terror;the American batteries answered at once from Cobble Hill, Lechmere'sPoint, Roxbury and Cambridge; the British thundered and raved throughthe darkness like the stubborn fighters that they were. More than eighthundred cannon-shots were fired before morning, and the result was thatthe American works upon Nook's Hill were stopped and the troopswithdrawn.
But at the same time, this event showed General Howe that to attempt tohold Boston any longer would be folly. His horse transports were orderedto fall back to Castle William; all goods which would likely be of valueto the "rebels" were confiscated. Ammunition which could not be carriedwas thrown into the river; guns were spiked and gun-carriages werebroken.
While waiting for their ships to assemble, the city was practicallygiven up to sack by the Tories. This news reached the American lines andEzra and George Prentiss were greatly worried about it.
"If the British really mean to evacuate, this will make it all theharder for those Tories who are left behind," said George.
"And grandfather is just determined, or stubborn, enough to be amongthose," answered Ezra, anxious
ly.
In both their minds was a picture of the grim old merchant, deserted,unprotected and at the mercy of a populace whom he had long reviled. Andboth fervently hoped that the outgoing of Howe would be at once followedby the ingoing of Washington; as an unpatrolled city, even for a shorttime, might mean the death of Seth Prentiss.
On March sixteenth, as the British were still apparently undecidedwhether to abandon their now assembled vessels or no, Washington tookthe step that forced the issue. Once more he ordered a night occupationof Nook's Hill. And this time, in spite of the enemy's fire, he held it.
The effect was instantaneous. At nine o'clock the garrison left BunkerHill; fleets of boats loaded with soldiers and Tories put out from thewharves of Boston.
Instantly the American troops under Putnam were put in motion. BunkerHill was occupied; a compact force crossed to Boston from that end;another advanced across the Neck under Colonel Learned. These, under thecommand of Putnam, at once seized all the important posts and mannedthem. Ezra, Nat, Scarlett and the others, who had all crossed withColonel Learned, rode in search of Putnam. When they found that stoutwarrior in the midst of his work, Ezra saluted and said:
"General, if I and my friends can be spared, we'd like to ride to SunCourt."
"Why?" asked Putnam.
"My grandfather lives there; he may be in danger."
"I understand," replied the general. "Go at once; you have my authorityto put down any kind of illegal violence."
So away the five dashed through the streets. The smashed doors andwindows of stores mutely told their tale; the rows of razed houses whosetimbers had gone to keep the British army warm during the winter, leftgreat gaps and also made the town look queer and strange. Gaunt andwan-faced people feebly cheered the boys as they raced over the stones;bands of eager, wolfish-looking men were already prowling about insearch of what plunder the outgoing army had been forced to leavebehind.
As they approached Sun Court, a muffled roar began to reach their ears.It was the sound of distant voices, angry, threatening, and high-lifted.
"Push on!" cried Ezra, his face whitening.
Urging their mounts to the utmost, they wheeled out of Fish Street intoPrince's. Louder grew the cries; people were pouring into Sun Court fromevery direction. Turning the corner the five rode over the brickedpavement into the midst of these and to the edge of a huge, swaying,shouting mob gathered before Seth Prentiss' door. A stout man with avery red face and wearing the smock of a butcher stood upon the steps.
"He's had his will with us this many a day," cried this person loudly,"and now his British friends have left him for us to have our will withhim."
There was a shriek from the mob, and a tossing of hats and arms.
"Let us have him out of his house," yelled a voice above all the others."Let us show him that we, too, have our day."
With one impulse the crowd swept forward; some were battering upon thedoor and heavy shutters, when the boys and Scarlett came plungingthrough them.
"Hold!" cried Ezra, as he reached his grandfather's door. He wheeled hisprancing horse, as did his friends, and faced the mob. "It is the orderof General Putnam that no violence be offered to any one. In the name ofthe Continental Congress we bid you to stand back!"
The uniforms of the five were new to the men of Boston, but the name ofPutnam and the mention of the Continental Congress had their effect, andthey hesitated.
But the red-faced butcher urged them on.
"Will you be stopped by a parcel of boys?" he shouted. "Will you becheated of your revenge by a handful of young upstarts because they camea-riding on horseback and use high words?"
The crowd wavered. The butcher saw this and redoubled his efforts; thenScarlett dismounted and approached him quietly. Hooking his thumbs inhis sword belt the soldier of fortune said:
"My friend, you are a stout fellow enough, but you make overmuch noisefor even one of your girth."
And with that he took the butcher by the scruff of the neck and shookhim like a rat. The man sputtered and coughed and fought back. But hewas but as an infant in the hands of the slender but powerfuladventurer, and as they witnessed his discomfiture, some of the crowdbegan to laugh. Then a roar of mirth went up; and seeing the good natureof the crowd, Ezra held up his hand for silence and cried:
"Boston is now in the hands of General Washington and his army. Justicewill be done every man. It is your place to see to it that no goodAmerican, through a spirit of revenge, falls into the usages of theBritish. Go to your homes. If you have a complaint to make of any man,make it to the proper authorities. To take the law into your own handsis dangerous, for you cannot see the end of such a thing."
There were a few scattered cheers to show that the people realized theforce of this reasoning. But at the same time was heard the quick trampof a body of Continental infantry, one of the many sent to patrol thecity; and Ezra never knew but what their arrival had more to do with themob's change of front than anything he had said. At any rate, they wereinstantly seized with a huge admiration at this display of theirnational force, and burst into loud huzzas. The officer in command ofthe troop bid them disperse, as it was against the general's orders forany crowds to collect until the city had come under control; and as bothtownfolk and troop passed out of Sun Court, Nat Brewster said:
"It was a fortunate circumstance that brought this finish about. I hadthought to have harder work of it."
"And I," said a voice behind them.
All turned. The door of the mansion had opened and Seth Prentiss stoodbefore them. He was dressed in gown and slippers; and largesilver-rimmed spectacles seemed to add to the harshness of his face.
Regarding both Ezra and George for a moment in silence, he said:
"I had not expected to ever bid either of you welcome to my house. Butif I were to say that I did not silently welcome you when those goodfriends of mine came hammering at my door, I would not be speaking thetruth."
He ran his eyes over them with an expression upon his face that neitherof his grandsons had ever seen there before; then he continued:
"Neither did I ever think that you would make a better selection ofgovernment than myself."
"Grandfather!" both boys flung themselves from their steeds andapproached him, joy in their faces.
"I mean it," cried the old merchant. "None has kept faith with the Kingmore loyally than I have done. But he has deserted me--he has desertedhis city. And now I desert him!"
He wrung the hands of his delighted grandsons, then shook his gnarledfist in the direction of the bay.
"Their ships are there, crowded with armed men; they have fled, and inso doing showed me that they are not competent to rule." Just thenanother compact body of Continentals went by with throbbing drums andsquealing fife. The old man watched them to the turn of the street."Your General Washington is not of the fleeing kind," spoke he. "Hebelieves in a cause and holds to it like a true man should."
"In that, Master Prentiss, you say rightly," said Gilbert Scarlett. "Andnot only is he a true man, but a great soldier as well--a soldierdestined to gain many victories. One victory already he has gainedbeside the taking of Boston Town," with a laugh. "And that is overGilbert Scarlett, soldier of fortune. A commission is mine, they havetold me, for the asking. Always have I loved great leaders; and you maybe sure that I will not delay longer now in asking for it."
"Sir," responded Seth Prentiss, "you show yourself a man of sense. Andnow," with a bow, "will you dismount and enter? Also you, younggentlemen," to Nat and Ben. "From now on the friends of my grandsonswill be very welcome here."
And so they tied their horses and entered the fine old house. As thedoor shut behind him, closing out the distant huzzas and the throbbingof the Continental drums, a sense of great peace filled Ezra's heart.
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THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AND LEXINGTON THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT TRENTON
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