The good man was at home, much to our satisfaction, and when we explained that we had been set a task by General Putnam, and told how it chanced we had set off without provisions, he would have loaded us down like beasts, so eager was he to do that which might further the Cause. Because it seemed as if time was precious, we did not remain at Master Onderdonk’s any longer than was absolutely necessary; but on coming out on the highway once more, in order to strike across the country again, whom should we see but Luther Stedman’s father astride his gray mare, riding toward his home from the direction of Gowanus bay. The old Tory eyed us sharply as he passed at a jog trot, but spoke never a word, and when he was beyond earshot Sam said ruefully: “It is bad luck to meet such as he when we are settin’ out on a task like this! He has most likely been to give some information to the Britishers concernin’ our people, an’ now, havin’ seen us, will spread the fact of our headin’ for the Narrows.” “Well, an’ how much will that advantage the old Tory?” Abe asked disdainfully. “Haven’t we the right to travel over the same road he does?” “Ay, but it is not of any advantage to our mission that it be known by such as he.” “I’m allowin’ it won’t make one hair white or black in the long run,” Abe replied carelessly, and then he fell to speculating as to what the Britshers would do if they came to know Seth Hartley was on board the sloop, claiming to be bound by his parole. “I reckon we’d find ourselves in trouble, if the red-coats came up this way,” I replied with an inward quaking. “If it was believed we really held him prisoner, his comrades would do what they might to set him free; and in case it was suspected that he staid of his own free will, then would the officers seek him out as a deserter. In either event, we’d be in hot water.” “There’s no need of crossin’ bridges till we come to them,” Abe interrupted irritably. “We can find trouble enough by lookin’ forward to what’s in hand, without runnin’ around to hunt for it.” After that the conversation lagged again, and very little was said among us until we were finally come to where it was possible to have a full view of all the king’s ships at anchor, and verily it seemed as if the Narrows and bay were entirely filled by them. We could see everywhere on the opposite shore the white tents of the army, until it was as if the island was completely covered by them, and I said to myself that our people could not hope to hold out very long, however desperately and bravely they might fight, against such an array of disciplined and well-armed men. Boats were passing from the ships to the shore, some carrying men, and others deeply laden as if with ammunition. On the decks of the vessels every one appeared to be busily engaged with this task or that, and there could be no question about General Howe’s making ready to strike a heavy blow.