“It is just as well to give them a wide berth,” the “admiral” said when I laughingly accused him of being afraid of those on the shore. “I am not allowin’ that that precious Luther an’ the Tory he had with him has been able to spread the news as yet, seein’s how young Winterbottom is too good a soldier to let them talk overly much with outsiders while marchin’ up to headquarters; but others besides them were in the scheme of stealin’ the sloop, an’ may be able to understand what has happened as well as if it had been written down plain for ’em, so we won’t be overly eager to rub noses with any save those whom we know right well.” We got to Master Dyker’s dock just in the nick of time, for as the sloop was hauled in to the string-piece Abe’s father and mine came in sight, and Master Decker, being in advance, jumped on board as he said hurriedly: “Now then, lads, get under way as soon as may be, for we are in haste to reach Wallabout bay.” Without thinking particularly of what had just happened, I was for obeying this order without delay; but Abel Grant checked me by saying gravely to my father: “I am thinkin’, Master Lyttle, that you had best hear what has been done in your absence before sendin’ these lads back to the island,” and then without waiting for questions, Abel gave a detailed account of our adventures during the afternoon, concluding by repeating the advice which Lieutenant Winterbottom had given. If I had any doubts as to whether my father might consider the matter serious, they would have been dispelled when I saw his face while Abel was telling the story. He showed the utmost concern, and, after the tale was done, said slowly and thoughtfully: “I believe the lieutenant to be in the right. The island is no place for you lads after what has been done, and yet the question is where can you spend such time as may elapse before our forces have either driven out the Tories, or frightened them into submission?” “This sloop of ours is comfortable enough for lads who count on bein’ Minute Boys,” Sam suggested, and Abraham’s father said: “If General Putnam had not spoken so seriously regarding the Minute Boy business, I might be inclined to laugh at it; but if such an able general and true American as Israel Putnam thinks you lads can be of service, then it behooves me to hold my peace. As for living aboard the sloop, I see no reason why it might not be done without hardship. You need not put to sea; but by running up to the bulkhead at Oliver Street, nearby where live some good friends of mine, I believe you would be reasonably safe, and there it would be possible for us to get word to you at any time. However, if Master Lyttle shall agree with me that that is the better course, there is nothing to prevent your carrying us across to the island, so that you do not go ashore!”