“There’s nothin’ will please me more than to send ’em as a present to General Putnam, an’ if you say it can be done, I’m ready for the venture; but we’ll be in a box in case of runnin’ across two or three Tories,” Sam said grimly, and I replied with a laugh of relief, for it was mighty enlivening to be free once more: “Lads who have been as near a British prison as you an’ I, can afford to take some chances for the sake of servin’ out properly such sneaks as these, an’ if by any bad luck we should come across a lot of Tories, we’ll leave our mark on some of ’em before takin’ to our heels.” I was not such a fool that I failed of understanding how precious time was to us just then. If by daylight we had not arrived at Wallabout bay, then the chances were decidedly against our ever getting there with the prisoners, for as soon as the sun rose the Tories would be out in full force, the presence of the British fleet having stirred them into activity as the sun does half-frozen flies. Even while talking with Sam I had asked myself what could be done if we arrived before the sloop had returned from the trip to New York with Abe, for I was not minded to bring down the wrath of our neighbors upon my father and mother by making of their house a prison. However, so I told myself, it would be time enough to consider what should be done after we had come to the bay, and thus I put all forebodings as to the future from my mind. Sam was eager to be off, as indeed was I, and he said to the Tories who were looking woefully down at the mouth, as well they might: “You fellows are goin’ to take a little trip over to Wallabout in our company. We’re not afraid you’ll try to give an alarm in case we come near anybody, for the gags you’re wearin’ ain’t likely to slip out of place; but we’ve got to take some precautions against your laggin’ on the way, because we’re bound to make quick time, so look at the point of this blade,” and Sam opened his pocket-knife. “We don’t allow to treat you in any way harsh; but if so be you fail of stepping out as lively as we’re needin’ to move, I shall put a quarter-inch of this steel into whatever part of your body happens to be most convenient. That much you’d better not forget, for it ain’t likely we shall speak of it again. Now get on your feet.” The prisoners evidently understood by the tone of Sam’s voice that he would carry out his threat to the letter, for they scrambled up more quickly than I had supposed was possible for fellows whose arms were tied behind their backs. There was no good reason for further delay, and we set off, driving the Tories like sheep before us, they striving in good shape not to deserve the pricking of the knife which Sam held conspicuously in his hand. I had no good idea as to the time; but believed it was yet early in the night when we started, and, if no accident befell us we should be able, even while forced to strike across country, to arrive at Wallabout before the sun showed himself.