The great general paused: “Good evening lad,” he said, “’tis but a sad Christmas time for young boys like you.” Robert tried to reply but his voice failed him. “Were you wishing for home? You look ill and worn. I will send you back.” “No, no, sir!” Shirtliffe found strength at last. “I was but binding up my feet, my shoes are not thick enough for these rough roads, but I am strong and loyal!” Washington smiled, and then looked pityingly down upon the wrapped foot, the blood already was showing through the new bandages. “Here, my son, take my handkerchief,” he murmured, “it will help until you can procure better, and take this coin; when it is possible, buy strong shoes.” Robert accepted the gifts with flowing tears, and put them in his breast. For a moment there was silence, then the deep voice added, “The Marblehead fishermen are down the river about five miles, could you reach them in an hour with a message?” “Yes, sir,” Robert’s chance had come. He would deliver the message in an hour or die in the attempt. “Well, simply tell them we are ready.” Robert bowed, saluted, and then stifling a groan as he hurried away on his bleeding feet, he ran into the gathering twilight and was lost to sight. In less than an hour he had reached his destination. The Marblehead men understood the message. They had done splendid service in the war before when bravery on the water was needed, they were ready now. They set to work to get every boat in their possession in readiness and all that night and the next day, soldiers on horse and foot advancing from every direction made for the river. The plan had been worked out in secrecy, and now upon this Christmas night the entire army enlarged by recent reinforcements was to be ferried over the icy Delaware in order to attack the British in Trenton on the morrow. It was a mighty and daring attempt, but not a patriot questioned the leader who had planned it. For ten hours the brave fishermen rowed to and fro in the darkness bearing their suffering loads. But,—even while many were frozen—and all endured untold agony from exposure and scanty covering, not a complaint was heard to pass the brave lips. The army was divided in three parts, but with joy Shirtliffe saw that he was in the command under Washington which was headed for a spot nine miles above Trenton, from which point they were to bear down upon the unsuspecting Britishers, then making merry over their Christmas cheer. Shivering and crouching in the stern of one of the boats, Robert thought of all the Christmas nights he could remember. There had been a few which had been bright and joyous—but this one so full of pain and loneliness, was the proudest one of his life.