matters than the taking into custody of three boys who
might be charged with being spies, by a dissolute fellow who could
produce no evidence save his own word.

We lads spent the entire day roaming here and there throughout the
encampment without hindrance, and I had even grown so bold that I went
up to Silver Heels while she was tethered on the bank of the river,
caressing her silky nose as she whinnied with delight at being with me
once more.

"Keep up your courage, my dear little Silver Heels," I whispered in her
ear as if it were possible she could understand me. "You may have a hard
time during the next four and twenty hours; but no longer, for then I
promise you we two shall be on our way to the plantation. Once there we
need have no fear that you will again be disturbed by the red-coats,
for our General Washington of Virginia is nigh upon the point of driving
the last servant of the king out of this colony."

Never a man interfered while I was caressing Silver Heels; but little
Frenchie speedily began to drag me away, whispering sharply in my ears:

"Don't get the idea into your mind, Fitz Hamilton, that all the danger
is passed, and strive not to grow reckless in your hour of triumph, for
this army will not move until after dark, and 'twixt now and then the
red-coated soldiers have it within their power to do you a deal of
mischief."

I was near to laughing at these words of caution, thinking how
completely the tables were turned between us, when it was him who
seemingly had grown timorous, and I showed myself the venturesome one.

Saul apparently gave no heed to over-cautiousness or impudence; but
wandered here and there with his hands in his coat-pockets as if he was
an honored guest, and I could well fancy that the lad much the same as
forgot all the fears which beset him a short time before.

We noted with glee the fact that the Britishers were gathering all the
boats that could be come at, and even from Gloucester Point did they
send over barges and skiffs until the river front was completely lined
with small craft.

The afternoon was not yet more than half spent before baggage wagons
were being loaded into the larger boats. I saw more than one officer
carrying his belongings down to the river to stow them in this or that
craft instead of trusting a soldier to perform the labor, as would have
been done had matters not been so pressing, and if each man who wore a
red coat was not looking forward wi