ns, that I shall do aught which may deprive me of my
liberty, for I will hold myself in the presence of those who wear red
coats as gentle as any dame in silken skirts, until I have got back my
mare, or shot her with my own hand to spare the poor creature the abuse
that would come from such handling! If, however, in the meanwhile I
should come across Horry Sims where were none of his kidney who could
fall upon me with too great force, then is it certain you would see
whether a Minute Boy, and of late I'm beginning to be proud of that
title--you would see whether a Virginian, a member of a company of
Minute Boys, even though they number only three, could do anything
toward paying off his just and lawful debts."

To have argued with Saul at that time would have been worse than
useless, as I knew full well, for when the cloud of anger was upon him
he would not listen to prayers or to arguments, and in good truth I was
more than willing he should go his way, counting to make it my own, for
at that time I believe it would have been actually impossible for me to
have turned my back on poor little Silver Heels, even though by going
into the British encampment at York Town I could do her no good.

Pierre soon realized that he could not hope to turn Saul from the path
he had set out on, and he showed himself the dear little comrade I have
ever since known him to be, by ranging alongside first of Saul and then
of me as we went in single file, knowing full well that we might
encounter great danger, and yet holding himself ready to bear full share
of it.

We were not in the mood for conversation, Saul and I, as we pressed
forward on the way to York Town, giving no heed to anything around us,
and little Frenchie soon came to understand this, for after striving to
speak first with one and then the other in a friendly fashion and
receiving no reply, he held his peace, but now and again taking us by
the hand as if to show his friendliness and loyalty to his friendships.

I was burning with the desire to come up with Horry Sims, who it was
reasonable to believe had gone into the town of York and to that end
quickened my pace, although knowing full well it was best I did not
speak with the viper that day.

There was yet before us, if we both lived, plenty of time in which to
settle the debt, and if I attempted to wipe off the score before having
done that which was in my mind, then might it be that I sacrificed
Silver Heels herself