perate undertaking. There were ten thousand men to be taken
across, and the width of the river at the point of crossing was nearly a
mile. It would hardly seem possible that such a movement could be made in
a single night without being discovered by the British troops, who were
lying in camp within gunshot of the retreating Americans.

But that which seemed impossible was done, for the army was transferred in
safety.

The night must have been a long and anxious one for Washington, who stayed
at his post of duty on the Long Island shore until the last boat-load had
pushed off. The retreat was as brilliant as it was daring, and it saved
the American cause.

But even after he had saved his army from capture and once more outwitted
the British, the situation was still one of great danger. No sooner had
the Americans made their perilous escape from Long Island than the British
seized Brooklyn Heights. So just across the river from New York were the
British troops, and just below them in the harbor lay the British fleet.

THE HEROIC NATHAN HALE

With forces so unequal, a single unwise movement might bring disaster. If
only Washington could learn the plans of the British! The only way to do
this was to send a spy over into their camp. He called for a volunteer to
go inside the enemy's line and get information. Now, you know that spying
is dangerous business, for if captured the man will be hanged; and none
but a brave man will undertake it.

Probably many of you boys and girls know the name of the hero whom
Washington selected for this delicate and dangerous task. It was Nathan
Hale.

Perhaps you ask why he was chosen, and why he was willing to go.

We can answer those questions best by finding out something about his
life.

Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, a little town in Connecticut, in 1755.
His parents, who were very religious people, had taught him to be always
honest, brave, and loyal.

Nathan was bright in school and fond of books. He was also fond of play.
Although he was not very strong as a small boy, he grew sturdy and healthy
by joining in the sports of the other boys. They liked him, because, like
George Washington, he always played fair.

Later he went to Yale College, where he studied hard but yet had time for
fun. He became a fine athlete, tall, and well-built. He sang well, and his
gentlemanly manner and thoughtfulness of others made him beloved by all
who knew him.

After he left college, h