Saul, who I verily believed was disgruntled because little Frenchie had
been allowed to act the part of leader, now took upon himself the
command of our company by marching in advance, for he knew as well as
did I where old Mary's cabin was located.

You may be certain we kept our ears and eyes wide open as we walked
through the village toward the Pigeon Quarter, and I was greatly
disappointed because our way did not lead us past where the horses of
Simcoe's Rangers were stabled, although certain it is, it would have
given me greatest pain to have seen Silver Heels roughly used.

There were many visitors in York on this forenoon; people from
roundabout who had Tory inclinations, or who were ready to sell to the
enemies of their country such of vegetables or farm produce as might
bring them in a few shillings. A number from Gloucester who had been
allowed to come across the river, and I even saw two lads whom I knew
lived on Mobjack bay, roaming around with mouths wide open in
astonishment at this vast encampment wherein, to their uneducated eyes,
were soldiers enough to over-run all our colonies.

Squads of Britishers were marching here and there; officers lounged
through the narrow streets, most like making their way to the
entrenchments. From every direction could be heard sounds telling of
pick and shovel, the shouts of teamsters as they hauled heavy guns into
position, the beating of drums, the shrill cry of fifes, and, in fact,
all that bustle, noise and confusion which I have since learned attends
a military encampment.

As a matter of course we did not dare linger here or there, although
very much was going on which it would have pleased me to observe; but we
took good care to continue without hesitation toward the Pigeon Quarter,
contenting ourselves with seeing what we might as we walked at a
reasonably rapid pace.

Strange as it may seem, I had given no thought as to whether Uncle
'Rasmus had succeeded in entering the village during the night; but took
it for granted that he must have done so, until we were come within a
stone's throw of old Mary's cabin, and then it was as if my heart stood
still, for there were many chances that the old negro might have been
arrested while trying to pass the guard and we would find in the hovel a
squad of red-coats waiting to make prisoners of those who presented
themselves there.

I had so worked up my fears as to feel certain the moment had arrived
when we were c