Sullivan continued: “I made up my mind that if I could get a few trusty men to join me I would make a dash for the fort on my own responsibility, for the possession of that powder means _everything_ to us. But I do not want one of you to stir a foot unless you have counted the cost. This is a deliberate assault on a royal fortress, and it exposes every one of us to the penalty for high treason. If any man shrinks, let him turn back now before it is too late.” “We have counted the cost,” answered John Demeritt, “and we are ready.” “Follow me, then,” cried Sullivan, “and may God speed the right!” At that instant Tony, who was doubled up under the seat like a jackknife, had a cramp in his leg, and in trying to move his foot hit a wooden stool--and over it went with a loud crash, causing the utmost confusion. The men began searching the church while Larry’s uncle rushed around shouting savagely: “A spy! A spy! Seize him! Take him, dead or alive!” “It’s only us--Larry and me,” piped Tony, frightened almost out of his wits by his uncle’s fury. “We wanted to find out what was going on. And won’t you please take Larry with you? He is so brave and wants to fight so much.” “Go home, boys, and to bed, both of you!” ordered Larry’s uncle. “I’ll settle with you for this to-morrow. Do not look so disturbed, Captain Sullivan--I’ll answer for their secrecy.” “Oh, uncle! Oh, Captain Sullivan!” begged Larry in an eager, excited tone, “do let me go. I know I can help in some way. I want to be of some use, and I’m not afraid any more than you are.” Sullivan was touched by the boy’s earnestness. “We cannot take you, my boy. It would not be prudent--but you can help if you really wish it--there _is_ a way.” He turned and whispered with some of the men. “We may need a pair of oxen to cart the powder. We ought not to bury it all in one place.” “If the lad will have the oxen and some straw ready for us in yonder barn, I’ll cart the powder wherever you say,” said John Demeritt. “I’ll bury it in my own cellar if you can think of no better place.” Sullivan noted the disappointment in Larry’s answer. “We are trusting much to you, my boy,” he said gravely; “and remember, Larry, if you want to be a soldier you must first learn to _obey_. Now go take your little brother home, and then have the team ready for us by the time yonder bright star reaches that line of woods by the Block House.” When the boys left, the men quickened their pace almost to a run in order to keep up with the Captain as he strode down-hill to the “gondola.” “Gondola” was the name given by the colonists to the broad, flat-bottomed scows used on the Piscataqua in the transportation of stone and other heavy material.