e, snugly hidden in the thicket ready for just such an emergency as
had already come, were found four stout boats, each capable of carrying
not less than a dozen men, and after all were embarked and the little
fleet pushed off from the shore, it appeared quite formidable.

Each craft boasted of a sail, and with the wind from the southward there
was no need of labor at the oars, therefore this portion of the journey
promised to be most pleasant.

"This is different from what we expected when Master Wentworth marched
us in front of his musket," Isaac said in a tone of content, and his
comrade replied:

"We got out of a small hole in fine style."

It was when they were midway from the point of embarkation to Fort
Ticonderoga that young Beman cried excitedly, pointing toward that shore
which they had just quitted, where could be seen two small boats laden
with men who were pulling into a cove as if seeking shelter:

"It looks to me as if those fellows are wearing red coats!"

It was the first intimation Captain Baker had that there were others in
the immediate vicinity, and instantly he gave word for the boats to be
hauled around for the purpose of learning who these strangers were.

Hardly had this maneuver been executed when one of the men announced
positively that young Beman was right in his conjecture.

"They are most likely Britishers, who escaped from Ticonderoga, or have
come from Crown Point on their way to St. John in search of
reinforcements," Captain Baker cried excitedly, and orders were given
for the men to take to the oars.

Then ensued a chase which was quickly ended, owing to the precaution
taken by the Britishers themselves.

They had put into the cove hoping to escape detection, and it proved to
be a trap for them.

No sooner were the boats arrived off this place of refuge than Captain
Baker gave orders for them to be strung out in line, thus cutting off
all hope of escape by water, and in his own craft pulled near to where
the two boats, manned by seven soldiers, were drawn up as if prepared to
do battle.

It was soon evident they understood well the truth of the old adage that
"discretion is the better part of valor," for immediately Captain Baker
called upon them to surrender, they threw their arms into the bottom of
the boat in token of submission.

Nathan was most grievously disappointed. He had fancied there might be a
skirmish, or at least an exchange of shots, for until the morning