A body of Hessians had wheeled about and posted themselves behind some temporary breastworks, which had been thrown up that morning. "Up and at 'em," was the word, and the Rangers ran forward and threw themselves on the ground so that most of the volley from the enemy passed over their heads. "Up and at 'em" again, each time nearer, while flanking parties were working around toward the rear of the redoubts. The enemy behind the breastworks had the advantage both in number and position, and held back the Rangers, who had no bayonets and could not charge successfully. "Here comes General Wayne's brigade, now we'll dislodge 'em," shouted Zeb in his excitement, and Bunster stood up and cheered. "We'll teach 'em that they have to earn their money when they hire out to lick Americans," cried Rodney. "What's the matter with Bunster!" exclaimed Zeb, for their companion staggered and pitched forward in a heap, his hands convulsively clutching the grass. "They run, they run, at 'em, boys!" and, with this cry in their ears, Rodney and Zeb charged down on the flying enemy. Bunster lay face down in the field. How he would have yelled and run after the retreating Hessians! He had made his last charge, poor Bunster! Such a genial fellow; such a kindly, helpful soul, with no fear in your heart! You have done as much as the best and bravest of them, and your country can never do as much for you. At the first opportunity his companions sought him out from among the slain, and laid him in a hastily constructed grave. Zeb's eyes were wet and tears made furrows among the powder stains on Rodney's face. Their hearts would be hardened in the days of war to come, for that is one of war's penalties. What sympathy they might have would be rather with those writhing and waiting for death. "Thar's a heap o' walkin' ahead of the Rangers," was Zeb's greeting as he returned from a talk with their colonel several days later. "What is it now?" "Schuyler an' Gates are howlin' fer more men an' expect Washington to furnish 'em whether he has 'em or not. Burgoyne's comin' down Lake Champlain with a horde of red devils at his heels, an' the country people up that way don't feel easy about their hair, with the lovely flag of England wavin' over 'em." "I just heard a report that the farmers were taking the field. If they do as well as they did at Bunker Hill, Burgoyne may not have an altogether pleasant summer." "Thar's too many people in this country who want to be independent of everything, even to fightin' whenever and how they please. It's time they did something." "Certainly they don't respond very promptly to Washington's call for troops." "This war has got to be won, if it's won at all, by armies an' not by a few men shootin' from behind a stone wall whenever the Britishers march their way." "It can't be said that Morgan's Rangers don't respond when called upon."