CHAPTER VIII

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DETECTED.

Of the parting with my mother the least said the better for my own peace of mind. As a matter of course she insisted on knowing where I was going, and for what purpose, after which she gave way to grief as if I was on the road to certain death, and this although I did my best to persuade her that the danger was so slight as not to be worthy of consideration.

Abe and Sam had both taken advantage of the opportunity to run home for a moment, and when we were together again I had no need to be ashamed of the redness of my eyes, for theirs were much like mine.

We walked rapidly and in silence, neither caring to indulge in conversation until the sadness caused by parting from the dear ones had worn away somewhat, and it goes without saying that we took the most direct course for Gowanus bay, striking across country, rather than traveling by the highways where we might be seen by some of our Tory neighbors.

A full hour passed before a word was said, and then Abe recalled to my mind that I was not fit to hold myself as leader of Minute Boys, even though my force numbered only three.

“We have forgotten to bring away any provisions, an’ if two are to remain on duty while the third goes back with whatsoever of a report we may have to make, some of us stand a good chance of bein’ hungry before seein’ Wallabout bay again.”

I came to a full stop, believing it was absolutely necessary we retrace our steps in order to atone for the neglect; but Sam would not listen to anything of the kind.

“It is near noon already, an’ if we go back there’ll be little hope of our seein’ the British fleet this day. To go around by Master Onderdonk’s, whom we know is a true friend to the Cause, will not take us out of the direct course more than a quarter-mile, an’ there we can get what will stay our stomachs until the return of him who goes to New York first.”

This was good advice, for, as I have said, we had walked a full hour before discovering our oversight, and, as a matter of course, twice that length of time would be wasted if we went back at once.

Therefore it was we struck out for the highway, being forced to do so in order to reach Master Onderdonk’s; but we met no one, either Whig or Tory, and, therefore, no great harm was done, save as we lost that much time which might have been saved if I had had my wits about me.

The good man was at home, much to our satisfaction, and when we explained that we had been set a task by General Putnam, and told how it chanced we had set off without provisions, he would have loaded us down like beasts, so eager was he to do that which might further the Cause.

Because it seemed as if time was precious, we did not remain at Master Onderdonk’s any longer than was absolutely necessary; but on coming out on the highway once more, in order to strike across the country again, whom should we see but Luther Stedman’s father astride his gray mare, riding toward his home from the direction of Gowanus bay.

The old Tory eyed us sharply as he passed at a jog trot, but spoke never a word, and when he was beyond earshot Sam said ruefully:

“It is bad luck to meet such as he when we are settin’ out on a task like this! He has most likely been to give some information to the Britishers concernin’ our people, an’ now, havin’ seen us, will spread the fact of our headin’ for the Narrows.”

“Well, an’ how much will that advantage the old Tory?” Abe asked disdainfully. “Haven’t we the right to travel over the same road he does?”

“Ay, but it is not of any advantage to our mission that it be known by such as he.”

“I’m allowin’ it won’t make one hair white or black in the long run,” Abe replied carelessly, and then he fell to speculating as to what the Britshers would do if they came to know Seth Hartley was on board the sloop, claiming to be bound by his parole.

“I reckon we’d find ourselves in trouble, if the red-coats came up this way,” I replied with an inward quaking. “If it was believed we really held him prisoner, his comrades would do what they might to set him free; and in case it was suspected that he staid of his own free will, then would the officers seek him out as a deserter. In either event, we’d be in hot water.”

“There’s no need of crossin’ bridges till we come to them,” Abe interrupted irritably. “We can find trouble enough by lookin’ forward to what’s in hand, without runnin’ around to hunt for it.”

After that the conversation lagged again, and very little was said among us until we were finally come to where it was possible to have a full view of all the king’s ships at anchor, and verily it seemed as if the Narrows and bay were entirely filled by them. We could see everywhere on the opposite shore the white tents of the army, until it was as if the island was completely covered by them, and I said to myself that our people could not hope to hold out very long, however desperately and bravely they might fight, against such an array of disciplined and well-armed men.

Boats were passing from the ships to the shore, some carrying men, and others deeply laden as if with ammunition. On the decks of the vessels every one appeared to be busily engaged with this task or that, and there could be no question about General Howe’s making ready to strike a heavy blow.

“Can you make out what is bein’ done?” I asked of my comrades after we had gazed at the thrilling scene a full ten minutes in silence.

“It would be hard to tell what they wasn’t doin’,” Sam replied with a mirthless laugh. “Say, doesn’t it look as if there were more vessels than when we sailed down the bay?”

“Sure; you yourself told us that Admiral Howe’s fleet had come in while we were makin’ the voyage around Long Island,” Abe replied grimly. “I wonder if General Putnam would like to know exactly how many are anchored off here?”

“Unless we could tell him how many of the ships were armed, I don’t fancy the information would be very valuable,” was my answer, as if I knew it all, although I was such a poor leader as to have forgotten that we would need provisions during our time of spying. “The question is what there is to be seen of which he would want to know,” and again I gazed around, vainly trying to hit upon some one thing of importance.

It was Sam who finally hit upon that which seemed to have a decided meaning outside the general bustle and apparent confusion.

“Look at the ship-buildin’ that’s goin’ on over there!” he cried, pointing straight across from where we crouched on the high bank. “They are makin’ a lot of big scows as if their fleet wasn’t large enough already!”

We had no difficulty in distinguishing that which he pointed out. I could see no less than a dozen huge craft made of roughly hewn logs, on which soldiers were yet working, and I wondered greatly what could be the meaning of such work until Abe suddenly cried:

“They are gettin’ ready to cross the Narrows, an’ the scows are to transport the men an’ heavy guns! It must be they count on landin’ hereabouts! I reckon we’ve got somethin’ to tell General Putnam now!”

“But it stands to reason he knows it already,” Sam objected. “Our people at Red Hook can see what is goin’ on, as well as we.”

“We are to make a report every night,” I interrupted, “an’ if one is to be made ’twixt now an’ sunrise, it seems as though it should be about the scows, for I can see nothin’ else that would be of interest.”

“But if he knows about them already?”

“It is not for us to guess what he may know; but simply to tell him what we have seen. He said there were others nearabout on the same errand as ours, an’ I reckon he wants to hear from three or four, in order to make certain that the information is correct. Let’s take due heed as to what is bein’ done there, an’ then make ready to go back to New York.”

“Who is to act as messenger this time?” Sam asked just a trifle impatiently, and I replied laughingly:

“I reckon we’ll have to draw lots again.”

“It isn’t fair to make me do that twice runnin’. I was chosen the last time, an’ it seems as if you an’ Abe ought to take your chances.”

“So we will,” I said, determined that there should be no ill-feeling among us Minute Boys if I could prevent it. “You prepare the twigs, an’ we’ll soon settle who shall go.”

Abraham made no objection to this proposition, and soon Sam was ready. I took first choice, my comrade insisting it should be so, and there was left in Sam’s hand the shortest twig for him.

“All right, I’ll toddle back, leavin’ you fellows here to have a good snooze, for of course you can’t do any spyin’ in the night,” he said cheerily. “Let all three of us see what we can make out, an’ after the sum of it has been put together, I’ll set off. When am I to come back?”

“The general or Lieutenant Winterbottom will tell you as to that,” I replied, mentally blessing the good fortune which saved me from a long tramp across the island, with the chances of being gobbled up by some of the Tories who might be prowling around in search of a Whig.

When each of us had searched the opposite shore carefully with our eyes, we told Abe what we had seen that appeared to be of the most importance, and this, together with what he himself had observed, made up the information, slight though it was, which he was to carry to the commander.

It seemed much like a clear waste of labor to make the journey to New York simply to repeat what we had seen, for there could be no question but it was already known to our people that the Britishers were building scows; the order had been given, however, and it was for us to obey rather than question it.

It was agreed that Abraham should retrace his steps over very nearly the same course we had just come, when, beyond a question, he would find the “admiral” and his “crew” on the lookout.

Then would come the cruise to New York, and the making of the return voyage. If nothing occurred to cause delay, and there was a sailing breeze, we allowed that Abraham should be back in Wallabout bay by daylight.

We could not expect him to arrive before noon on the morrow, and it might well happen, even though no danger threatened, that we should not see him for a full twenty-four hours. Fortunately, however, the time of his return was of but little moment, providing no especial danger threatened, and we agreed that if when the sun set again he had not come, I would take my turn at carrying the report, trusting to the chances of meeting him on the way.

He did not take any portion of the food which Master Onderdonk had so generously supplied, because of there being stores in plenty when once he was on board the sloop; but set off in light marching order, and with a cheery word on his lips.

There was no reason whatsoever why I should feel concerned about him, and yet strange to say, my heart was heavy with the sense of impending evil when he vanished amid the gloom, leaving Sam and me to remain where was no possibility we might accomplish anything until the sun had arisen again.

“It is only a question of a long tramp,” my comrade said when we two were alone, as if he like myself had some forebodings as to the future. “There isn’t one chance in an hundred that he will meet with any Tories in the night, if he follows the course by which we came, an’ we have no reason to feel anxious concerning him.”

“Then let’s drop the subject,” I said a trifle irritably, for the suspicion that Sam was thinking of possible evil in Abraham’s path made me exceeding nervous. “We have nothin’ to do betwixt now an’ mornin’, save sleep, an’ I’m thinking we’d best get about the job.”

There was little need for us to make any preparations for the night. A bed out of doors while the weather was so hot would afford more of comfort than one in a house, and we made ready for slumber by simply searching for a smooth, level place whereon we could stretch our limbs at full length.

It was while we were thus engaged that I fancied it possible to hear the hoof-beats of a horse on the highway, which at this point passed within less than an hundred yards of the shore, and, motioning Sam to remain silent, we stood listening two or three moments without hearing anything, when I came to believe that my ears had deceived me.

“What was it?” Sam asked anxiously.

“Nothin’, else we would have heard somethin’ more by this time,” and I told him of what I fancied came to my ears.

“You may set it down as a fact that there is no one stirrin’ nearabout here unless he have business with the British fleet, an’ that could best be attended to in the daylight,” Sam replied carelessly, as he laid himself down to sleep.

The spot which we had selected was just within a sparse clump of fir bushes, which would serve to break the wind and screen us from view of all save a careful scrutiny. As a matter of course it was open on the water side, affording an unobstructed view of Long Island, and when we were stretched out at full length upon the ground, it was possible to see the riding lights of the vessels, the camp-fires, and the numberless lanterns which marked the location of the temporary shipyard, telling us plainly that the work of preparing the scows was being pushed forward with all possible speed, since men were laboring by night as well as by day.

Neither Sam nor I were inclined for conversation, nor did slumber visit our eyelids, and when we had laid there motionless for ten minutes or more, I heard what was like stealthy footsteps near at hand. That the same sound had come to Sam’s ears I knew when, without changing position, he clutched my arm to attract attention, and as if with one accord we two rose to a sitting posture.

That a human being was approaching there could be no question, and it seemed equally certain search was being made for somebody or some

## particular spot, while every precaution was being taken against

detection. Had I been a fit leader for our little party of Minute Boys, I would have remembered our meeting with Master Stedman, when he eyed us so closely without speaking, and have put this fact with that which came to our ears, in such a manner that the whole situation must have been made plain.

As it was, however, the thought came into my mind that some one was coming up thus cautiously in order to spy upon the doings of the Britishers, and, therefore, believing the newcomer to be a friend, I was all unprepared for that which we saw a moment later.

The night was not so dark but that we could distinguish quite clearly objects close at hand, and when the bushes were drawn apart with a cautious hand we saw the face of Luther Stedman looking down upon us.

Recognition on both sides came at the same instant, and as he suddenly drew back with a gesture of disappointment, Sam and I sprang to our feet, both believing it was absolutely necessary for our own safety that he be prevented from leaving the spot.

As a matter of course we were unarmed, and it was only likely to suppose if, as seemed to be the case, the sneak had been searching for us, he was prepared for an encounter; but we gave no heed to such possible fact, the only thought in our minds being that we must prevent him from escaping.

Our eagerness to protect ourselves was more than a match for his thirst to be revenged, and he had not taken above a dozen steps in flight before we were upon him.

The cur turned at bay, finding that it would be impossible to give us the slip, and at the same time shouted at the full strength of his lungs:

“Bear a hand lively, Ezra! The rebels are upon me!”

While uttering this appeal for help he aimed a blow at me, and I caught it full on the cheek with a sting that came near to dazing me for the instant; but, fortunately, at the same instant he struck out Sam gave him one directly under the jaw, felling him to the earth in a twinkling.

“Hold him there!” I shouted. “Here comes the other cur!” and I darted forward to gain the shelter of a bush, hoping the newcomer might not see me until I had had time to receive him properly.

In this I was only partially successful, for the second Tory saw me at the very instant he was pushing swiftly through the light screen of foliage, and leaped upon my shoulders like a cat.

It goes without saying that we both came to the earth, where we rolled over and over striving unsuccessfully to get a grip on each other’s throats, and all the while Luther was screaming for help at the full strength of his lungs.

My antagonist was no sooner upon me than I recognized him as that Ezra Billings who lived near to Red Hook with his uncle, as rabid an old Tory as ever went unhung. The lad was a good twenty pounds the heavier, had often boasted of his ability to down me in a rough and tumble fight, and verily now was come the time when he had an opportunity to make his words good.

Understanding that I must gain a speedy advantage if I counted on coming off best, it can well be fancied how desperately I struggled; but he was too much for me, particularly after getting a grip on my throat which I could not shake off, and then it seemed as if death stood very near at hand. I could no longer breathe; there came into my head a buzzing as if a dozen mill-wheels were running at full speed, and the strength left my arms. I believed myself to be dying; I was dimly conscious of a crackling sound, and all became a blank.

When I returned to consciousness, which must have been very shortly after having been deprived of it, my arms were tied behind my back; I was lying near the bushes, and a dozen paces away two figures were bending over a prostrate body.

If my life had depended upon it I could not have repressed the groan which escaped my lips on thus understanding that Sam and I had been worsted in the fight. We had outwitted the entire British fleet only to come to grief at the hands of two rascally Tories whom we should have downed with but little trouble! The career of the Minute Boys had been cut short very quickly, and in a manner to cause them shame.

As I understood an instant later, Luther and Ezra were binding Sam when I saw them bending over him, for they soon stood erect, the work having been finished, and, seeing that I was aware of what was going on, that Stedman cur said in a tone of reproach:

“So your race is run at last, Ephraim Lyttle! You had the advantage of me once; but it was short-lived, an’ now my turn has come to give you a dose!”

There was anger instead of sorrow in my heart as he spoke, and I cried with no little satisfaction:

“I got the best of you twice, you cowardly Tory, an’ shall live to give you another taste of the same medicine; but it will have a more lastin’ effect. You counted that the Britishers had paid off your score; but more than one fleet was needed to hold us!”

[Illustration: “‘I’M ALLOWIN’ THAT A SINGLE VESSEL ... WILL DO THE TRICK THIS TIME.’”]

“I’m allowin’ that a single vessel, an’ a mighty small one at that, will do the trick this time,” he replied with a menacing gesture which caused me to believe he counted on striking one who could not defend himself, and most like he would have done so but that Ezra Billings caught him by the arm, at the same time whispering in his ear.

“Don’t be afraid that I’ll make a fool of myself!” he cried impatiently, throwing off Ezra’s hand. “I understand that he belongs aboard the frigate, an’ by daybreak to-morrow the scoundrelly Whig shall be where he can’t slip away in the fog!”

My heart sank within me as he spoke. It was impossible any of our friends would come that way before daylight, and he could readily put us aboard a British vessel where would be no chance of escape. The only wonder in my mind was that he did not set about the task at once, instead of waiting until morning. Afterward I came to know that the Tories of Long and Staten Islands had received most peremptory orders not to make any attempt at going within the British encampment or among the fleet during the hours of darkness, unless they brought information of the most vital importance.

It was useless to bandy words with the villain, because, while we were helpless and in his power, he would get too much satisfaction from an exchange of threats, and I held my peace while he told of all that he would do once we were confined in the prison of the frigate from which we had escaped.

“After we’ve left you safe in the hands of our friends, where you’ll have a chance to think over your sins against the king, an’ won’t grow overly fat on bread an’ water, we’ll set about cuttin’ the claws of that idiot who trains in your company--Abel Grant, an’ by this time to-morrow we’ll have possession of your sloop. I allow Ezra an’ I can make better use of her than you have,” Luther said tauntingly, as he stood over me with hand upraised to shut off my wind if I should venture to speak, and Sam cried stoutly:

“Don’t count on too many chickens at one time, you sneakin’ Tory! It will do Abel Grant’s heart good to have a whack at you, an’ I’m thinkin’ our sloop won’t advantage you much, save when you’re carried to New York in her to answer for what has been done this night!”

Luther turned as if he had suddenly been stung, and I said, raising my voice for Sam’s benefit:

“Let him wag his tongue for a while, lad; it isn’t harmin’ us, an’ comes more natural than to stand up in a fair fight like a man. It’s a long lane which has no turn, an’ he can count to a dead certainty that our day will come.”

“It will be a good many years hence, Ephraim Lyttle, for once you’re safely housed on one of the king’s ships, there’s small chance of your goin’ free in a hurry.”

I winced under the words, knowing only too well that they were true. Already had the officers of a certain frigate in the king’s fleet cause to feel sore against us because we had pulled the wool so completely over their eyes, and even though that trick had not been played, the son of so well known a Whig as my father, would not soon be set at liberty. Once aboard the British vessel we could count on staying there, or in some other prison, for many a day, unless by a lucky chance our people might come off the victors in the struggle, and just then so happy a conclusion did not appear probable.

It had never been in my mind that Ezra Billings possessed overly much sound common sense, but on this night he showed himself the superior of Luther in that respect, for I heard him say in a low tone, leading his Tory friend aside as if to speak secretly:

“I’m of the idea that we had better not waste any time in crowin’ over what we’ve done, an’ it’ll be better that we make our preparations for the visit to the fleet as soon as day breaks. There’s no tellin’ when the friends of these fellows may show themselves. Remember that your father said there were three, an’ we’ve found only two.”

I could see even in the gloom that Luther was startled by the suggestion that there might be others of our company near at hand, for he stepped outside the fringe of bushes to look eagerly around, and no longer showed any very keen desire to taunt us.

After a whispered conversation which we could not overhear, I saw Ezra Billings start off in the direction of the highway, and Luther began pacing to and fro where he might see us and at the same time make certain no one could approach from the road without being observed by him.

The bushes hid him ever so slightly from our view, and, taking advantage of this fact, Sam began rolling over and over on the ground until he was close beside me, when he whispered softly:

“Think you there is any chance Abe may get back before these curs are ready to take us to the fleet?”

“None whatever, lad,” I replied despondently. “He could hardly go from here to Wallabout an’ back without stoppin’, ’twixt now an’ sunrise. Even with a good wind, an’ nothin’ to hinder him in the way, I fail to see how he might get here until after we’ve been a good twelve hours in the frigate’s prison.”

“I’m not certain that death wouldn’t be more easy than a prisoner’s life!” the lad said bitterly, and for the instant I could think of no cheering word, for the gloom in my own heart was very thick just then.

Suddenly came a ray of light, very faint, but sufficient to set my heart bounding violently.

“With what are your hands bound?” I whispered ever so gently, keeping my eyes fixed on Luther to make certain he had no suspicion that we were holding converse one with another.

“A rope, I believe, which Ezra Billings was wearin’ in the stead of a belt.”

“Turn on your face. There is just a chance I might loosen it with my teeth.”

Sam obeyed, but I could understand from the sluggishness of his movements that he had little faith in my ability to accomplish anything in such a manner.

It was indeed a rope less than half an inch thick, as I found once I had set my teeth into it, and, faint though my hope was, I went feverishly to work, spurred to do that which at another time might have been impossible, by the picture of the prison aboard the frigate, which stood out clear and ominous in my mind.

Within five minutes I learned that nothing could be effected by trying to untie the knot with my teeth, and then I raised my head to see what Luther might be doing. He still remained on guard, and as I gazed at the cur Sam whispered:

“I thought you couldn’t do it. Turn around; perhaps I may have better luck.”

“Wait until I have done tryin’. The knot can’t be untied, but my teeth are good, an’ if Ezra Billings don’t come back too soon, I may be able to chew it apart.”

Verily it seemed a hopeless task to thus sever the stout bonds; but if it could be done our prison doors would not be open so wide, and I worked as never before, hardly ceasing to draw a long breath, or to give any heed as to what Luther might be doing.

Let him who thinks my task a simple one, himself try the experience of cutting a manila rope with his teeth, and he will soon understand that nothing save sheer desperation could have kept me at the apparently hopeless task.

The blood bounded violently through my veins when, by the sense of touch, I knew a single strand had been cut, and I stopped sufficiently long to whisper to Sam at the same time that I took another look at Luther:

“It ain’t impossible, lad; but is only a question of time. If Ezra will stay away half an hour longer I’ll have you free, an’ once we’re in shape to fight it must be to the death, rather than a long dose of British prison.”

“Don’t waste precious time talkin’; but keep at the work, if so be it is possible to cut the bonds. Trust me for knowin’ what to do once my hands are loose!”

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