"Probably it is Lieutenant Martin," remarked General Greene, quietly. "You know you sent him back." "Oh, so I did," replied the general, nodding sternly at the recollection. Meanwhile the man in the boat was skilfully making his way between the great cakes of ice, which threatened every moment to crush his frail skiff. He rapidly drew near until he finally jumped ashore, and, having tied his boat, hastened up to where the general sat on his horse. He stopped. "I have been across, general," he said, saluting. "So I perceive, sir. How did you get across?" "When I left you, sir, this afternoon," went on the young man, gravely, "I was in such a hurry that I did not wait for anything. I swam it, sir, with my horse." "Swam it!" "Yes, sir." "Very well done, indeed! Was it cold?" "Not very, sir. At least I was too excited to feel it, and a good hard gallop on the other side soon warmed me up." "Where did your ride take you?" "Almost to Trenton, sir." "And what is the situation there?" "Very confident, the guard very negligent, the men carousing in the houses. I examined both roads, and neither of them is well picketed. I should think a surprise would not be very difficult, sir." "Humph! Where's your horse?" "He fell dead on the other side just as I got back. I found that leaky skiff, and came over to report, sir." "You have done well, Mr. Martin, very well indeed! I think you must have found that man I sent you for!" continued the general, smiling grimly, while the young soldier blushed with pleasure. "Meanwhile we must get you another horse. Who has a spare one?" "May it please your honor," spoke out Bentley, who had attached himself to Seymour, "he can have mine. I am as much at sea on him as you would be on the royal yard, begging your honor's pardon, and I 'll feel better carrying a gun or pulling an oar with the men there than here." The general laughed. "There 's your horse, Mr. Martin. Where do you belong, sir?" "To Colonel Stark's regiment, sir." "Good! Keep at it as you have begun and you will meet with a better reception when you call upon me again. Now God grant that fortune may favor us. Gentlemen, if the brigades are all up, we will undertake the crossing. It looks dangerous, but it can be done--it must be done. Who will lead us?" "I will, sir, with your permission, with my Marblehead fishermen," said Colonel Glover, stepping out.