which we had protected at risk of our lives, could be
seen far in the distance as we swept on up past Morton's point. She had
come to anchor near where I counted we would make land, and from the
number of boats plying between her and the shore, it was easy to
understand that our people had already begun to take from her that
cargo which had cost the lives of two of the Minute Boys, and the blood
of many others.

I wish I might set down here, so that all could realize fully, the sense
of satisfaction and of pride which came over me as I saw this token that
our work had been well done! I gave no heed, as had Hiram, to the fact
that we might have brought more from Hog island, for truly, I said to
myself, any person who would set himself as judge of our work must see
that we had accomplished all within reason.

Now in truth had come the time when we could present ourselves at
Cambridge, and ask with good grace to be considered as part of the
American army, for had we not already shown ample proof of our ability
to stand up against the king's men, and, what is more, beat them
handsomely in fair fight where one would have supposed the odds to be
all against us who were unversed in warfare?

Somewhat of the same thought must have been in Archie's mind, for as we
two stood side by side well aft, while Hiram was still busying himself
ministering to our wounded, he said in a tone of exultation:

"Since yesterday we have come off first best against all that a
traitorous comrade could do, and I take no little pride in it, though it
did happen by accident and was so close a shave that we were within a
hair's breadth of being made prisoners. Put that close shave by the side
of what we have done since morning, and then you may say with good
reason that we have been of service to the Cause."

CHAPTER IX

ON SPECIAL DUTY

When we were come to the Penny ferry our consort had discharged her
cargo, and there were forty or fifty men, I should say, engaged in
driving the sheep and transporting the grain out of harm's way, for,
save as to a few sentinels, our people had no force stationed at that
place.

After some considerable trouble Archie and I succeeded in getting two
carts with horses to carry our dead and wounded, for I was determined
the bodies of those lads who had given up their lives for the Cause
should be carried where they might receive a soldier's burial.

Because we were forced to move slowly on account of