“The sooner we set ’em ashore an’ get back to where our fathers will be lookin’ for the sloop, the better.” “Not a bit of it,” Abel replied stoutly. “I ain’t one of these ’ere Minute Boys that are downed the first fight they run into, consequently it don’t stand me in hand to take command; but I’ve got sense enough to know that these precious Tories need to be turned over to some of our people, instead of bein’ let go scot free.” “To what end?” I asked irritably, for it seemed to me that the sooner we got out of the muddle the better, while to make any effort to deliver the Tories up as prisoners would only result in our coming into more trouble. “To the end that we act as honest men should. We’ll stand inshore a bit further on, an’ you or Sam shall go up to headquarters, there to tell what has been done, an’ to learn if these precious scoundrels are needed.” “Abel is right,” Abraham said, for now that the bandage was in place he could speak. “We have no right to let the matter drop as if it concerned us only, an’ now if ever is the time when we may show that even a company of only three Minute Boys can do somewhat in aid of the Cause.” CHAPTER II. THE “DECLARATION.” It was useless for me to say anything against this project of delivering the prisoners to the military authorities, even had I been so disposed, for all my companions were set in favor of it; yet one had no more right than another to say what should be done. Therefore it was I held my peace, noting at the same time that Luther was gazing at me fixedly from where he lay bound in much the same fashion as the big Tory. On the instant it flashed across my mind that the scoundrelly cur was hoping I might oppose the proposition to hold him and his comrade prisoners, for when I gave in to the plan a look both of anger and disappointment overspread his face, and if anything had been needed to convince me of the course we ought to pursue, this would have been sufficient. “Have it your own way,” I said, more as information to Luther Stedman than because the words were needed. “The question is at what point we had best land, and who shall go ashore to acquaint our people with what has been done.” “That is for you to do,” Sam replied quickly, thus showing that he had settled the details in his own mind. “It would fall naturally to either you or Abe, since I am not skillful in the art of wagging my tongue, and if you will but take one look at Master Decker it can plainly be seen that he is not in proper condition to show himself among strangers.” “It will be the worst day’s work you ever did, this delivering us up to the Whigs!” Luther cried savagely. “Set us ashore, free and without delay, and I promise to hold my peace concerning the afternoon’s work; but so surely as you carry out that which has been agreed upon, so certainly will every Royalist on our island lay it up against you as a debt which shall be repaid soon, and with interest.”