ng that I
spoke the truth.

"It's a good two hours since we came to a halt, but even though the
time wasn't up, we'd have to get into motion, for another messenger
has arrived from the commodore, an' there won't be any more loafin'
'twixt here an' Washington."

"What is the news?" I asked, beginning to be ashamed of myself because
of having lost my temper.

"General Ross, commandin' the British forces on land, has arrived at
the Wood Yard, an' the chances are that, with troops accustomed to
long marches, he will push on without much of a halt. Even if we were
not needed in Washington, it would stand us in hand to move mighty
quick."

Then Darius continued his task of awakening the sleepers, and I made
ready for another march when it seemed as if the word to halt had but
just been given.

When we set out again all of us from the Avenger were side by side,
and, although it may seem childish to say so, the fact that I had
friends at either hand gave me renewed strength of body as well as of
mind.

It is not well that I make any further attempt at following step by
step what was supposed to be a hurried movement to reinforce our
comrades of the flotilla, but which in reality was neither more nor
less than a hasty retreat. It is enough if I say that late in the
night following the day when Commodore Barney's fleet was destroyed,
we arrived at the marine barracks in Washington, where was the force
which had accompanied our commander.

Just then we were too tired and foot-sore to give any heed to our
friends who had been impatiently awaiting the arrival of us who had
been left behind on a dangerous duty. We only asked permission to lie
down anywhere in order to rest our aching limbs, and this we were able
to do, as a matter of course.

When morning came, however, and we were awakened by the bustle and
confusion which would naturally arise when five or six hundred men are
quartered in four buildings forming a square, we gave little heed to
the stiffness of joints and blistered feet which remained as mementoes
of that long march, as we greeted those for whom we had greater or
less affection.

The first person whom I saw was Bill Jepson. He had been searching
through the barracks for Jerry and me, and I really believe the old
fellow was heartily pleased at seeing us once more.

"Well, my bullies, how about that famous ship Avenger, Amos Grout
commander, and Darius Thorpe general supercargo?" Bill cried in a
voice