s a target, for in as many seconds a
dozen balls struck the building, or passed close to it, and I could well
fancy that Governor Nelson himself must be directing or agreeing to the
destruction of his own beautiful home, for I had learned during my visit
to Williamsburg when I went out to aid the Jerseyman, that the governor
himself was leading the Virginia militia.

When the first ball struck that stone mansion tearing away the walls
until two of the upper windows were made into one, I saw the red-coated
officers pour out like wasps from their nests, and scatter in every
direction, at which sight I laughed aloud in my glee, rejoicing that the
enemy were finding themselves in quite as disagreeable a situation as we
lads who were waiting with as much of courage as we could command for
the coming of those soldiers who would drag us off to the gallows, most
like without even the formality of a trial because affairs had come to
such a dangerous pitch with my Lord Cornwallis.

I believe the day was no more than an hour old, and the fire from the
American guns had not slackened, but continued to do quite as much
execution as when I first took my post, that I saw in the distance
coming toward us, but unattended, those two scoundrels who were bent
upon our destruction.

Leaning over so that my voice might carry the better to the floor below,
I cried:

"Here come Abel Hunt and Horry Sims!"

"How many red-coats have they with them?" Saul asked.

"They are alone; but carry muskets."

Then it was Pierre shouted triumphantly:

"It is as I told you! My Lord Cornwallis has other fish to fry than the
taking into custody of three boys who may or may not be spies, but who
can do him no harm at this late day. Those scoundrels may tell their
story wheresoever they please in this village of York; but no one will
give heed to them while our people are making matters so hot."

I could not quite agree with little Frenchie in this, because of
believing that the curs might find here and there among the privates one
who would like nothing better in the way of pleasure than the smoking
out of a rebel, and I strained my eyes in every direction that I might
have ample warning of the approach of the soldiers. Yet none appeared.

Those who were in the fortifications had quite as much on their hands as
could be attended to just then, if they would preserve their lives,
while those off duty were by no means inclined to come within the line
o