"And did the British find out what was going on and attack our fellows?" asked Eric. "Yes; the heavy ordnance was placed upon a galley to be conveyed to West Point; but as soon as it moved a cannonade began from Verplanck's and the British shipping near by. A heavy shot from the _Vulture_ struck the galley below water mark, and she went down near Caldwell's Landing. The British again took possession of Stony Point, but little of value was left them there except the eligible site for a fortification." "Wayne was very much praised for the taking of Stony Point, wasn't he, papa?" asked Grace. "Yes; the storming and capture of Stony Point was esteemed one of the most brilliant exploits of the war,--an exhibition of skill and indomitable courage,--and General Wayne, the leader of the enterprise, was everywhere greeted with rapturous applause. Congress gave him a vote of thanks. It also resolved that a gold medal, emblematic of that action, be struck and presented to General Wayne. Also, rewards were given to the other officers and to the men." "Papa, wasn't the home of Captain Molly somewhere in this neighborhood?" asked Grace. "Yes; Lossing tells us that she lived, at the close of the war, between Fort Montgomery and Buttermilk Falls, and was generally dressed in a woman's petticoats with an artilleryman's coat over them--perhaps an old one of her husband's, for he was a cannonier. They were both in Fort Clinton when it was taken by the British. When the Americans retreated and the British scaled the ramparts, her husband dropped his match and fled. Molly picked it up, touched off the piece, then scampered after him and the others. As you probably remember, she was again with her husband in the Battle of Monmouth, and when he was shot down took his place at the cannon and worked it through the rest of the engagement. For that act of bravery Washington rewarded her with a sergeant's commission." "I think she deserved it," said Grace. "I admire her bravery, but I don't know what would tempt me to go into a battle." "I should be sorry indeed to have you go into one," returned her father, regarding her with a fond smile. The yacht was now moving rapidly down the river, all on board greatly enjoying the beautiful scenery. They landed at Tarrytown and visited the historical spots in its vicinity, among them the scene of Andre's capture and the monument to his captors. "Why did they name this place Tarrytown, uncle?" asked Eric. "Probably from the fact that a great deal of wheat was raised in the vicinity. 'Tarwe Town'--meaning wheat town--was what the early Dutch settlers called it. "Those living here in Revolutionary days saw stormy scenes. There were lawless hands of marauders called Cowboys and Skinners infesting the Neutral Ground, which extended for thirty miles along the river and was plundered by both bands of outlaws without much, if any, regard to their victims' loyalty or disloyalty to the country."