n jack among us had come to
understand the importance of the labor. Then it was the lobster backs
gave the first warning that they had discovered what we were about.

His majesty's ship _Lively_, which was lying at anchor midway between
the ferry and Morton's point, suddenly opened fire with her great guns,
and upon the instant we dropped our intrenching tools, standing erect as
if expecting to be attacked immediately; but straightway I heard Colonel
Prescott cry out:

"Keep to your work, lads, that ship can do no harm to us, and before the
red-coats have got their wits fully about them we can strengthen these
defenses amazingly!"

As a matter of fact the missiles from the ship were passing directly
over us as we worked within the intrenchment, and after I had heard two
or three balls sail across with an ominous whistling, I gave no more
heed than if they had been so many locusts singing in the air.

Reeking with perspiration, aching in every joint, and knowing full well
that within a short time we would have all the king's men striving to
dislodge us, we Minute Boys did our portion of the work with the men,
and it gave me no little pride to see that never one of them shirked,
although here and there I could see great hulking farmers throw
themselves upon the ground as if it was impossible to remain longer
standing.

I believe Hiram did more to hearten and help us, than did the knowledge
of all that depended on this labor of our hands.

He ever had a cheery word; was always on the lookout to aid this lad or
that who might be struggling with some weight beyond his strength, and
all the while continued to picture what we would do with General Gage's
lobster backs before another sun had set.

Some among us ate as we worked, taking a bite of corn bread now, and a
bit of bacon then, as they stopped to regain their breath; but others,
like myself, waited until the task should be completed, believing then
we would have a breathing spell. As the day grew older we who had
rations at hand forgot our hunger as we gazed across to Boston town
where it was possible to see the people gathering, most like in
amazement at what had been done, until it was as if that portion of the
water-front facing us was crowded with human beings.

"I'm wondering if Seth Jepson is among that gang," Archie said grimly as
he and I wasted twenty precious seconds or more gazing at the throngs.

"If he is I'm thinking it doesn't do his heart any g