esty's and "rebels," who had whatsoever in the way of weapons
could be picked up at home, with no uniforms and but little knowledge of
military drill.

I cannot say when we first became aware that troops were being made
ready for transportation across from Boston. As the day wore on and
nothing was heard from General Gage, save now and then a shot from the
_Lively_, or the random firing from the guns on Copp's hill, it seemed
much as if the king's governor was afraid to attack us, even despite the
fact that his force out-numbered us eight or ten to one, and when noon
came we were nearly at the end of our work with pick and shovel.

Then it was possible to hear the beating of drums in Boston; the rumble
of artillery trains, or even the cries of the mob in the streets. We
could see dragoons galloping here and there as if carrying orders; then
came the marching and counter-marching of troops, and finally the
ringing of church bells. It was when this last noise struck upon our
ears that Hiram said with a laugh:

"It must be that General Gage counts on calling out all the old women
and children, else why should the bells be ringing as if there was a
fire?"

"It is the firing on Copp's hill they are ringing for, and if so be the
people would gather there to quench it, I should feel less need to duck
my head now and then, for truly I find it impossible to stand straight
when a bullet comes near my ears," Archie cried cheerily.

It was astonishing that we had been permitted by the enemy to do so
much, for, as I have already said, we had completed the fortification
with the exception of the trench, while during the forenoon much had
been done toward strengthening the fences on either side, putting up
additional steps of wood and earth so that men might mount to discharge
their weapons, and in nearly every portion of the work the breastworks
were raised six feet high.

Two or three times during the forenoon did I see officers sent away on
the road over which we had come, and on calling Hiram's attention to the
fact, when Major Brooks set off at full speed, was more than surprised
to learn that he believed Colonel Prescott was sending for
reinforcements.

"Reinforcements!" I cried in dismay. "Are we who have walked or worked
all night supposed to be the army that shall defend this fortification?
After laboring with pick and shovel since midnight, is there one among
us able to do the duty of a soldier during a battle?"

"