That the Tories on the island were well aware of the intended movement we could well understand as we pressed forward swiftly, for we met parties of two or three coming out from the thicket in every direction, like flies who have scented molasses, and more than one of the scoundrels gave chase to us as if knowing on what errand we were bound; but our anxiety to be the first in New York with the news, as well as the fear of capture, lent such fleetness to our feet that pursuit would have been useless save by mounted men. Fortune surely favored us in our efforts, for after passing the bend at Yellow Hook, leaving the highway on our right and keeping close to the edge of the shore, we saw the sloop standing down upon us, while Sam was but a short distance away waving his cap vigorously. Seth Hartley pushed off in the skiff, bringing us aboard when the sloop was well in, and we waded down into the water waist-deep to clamber on board, so that a few seconds of time might be saved. Then, once alongside the Swiftsure, and even before the skiff had been made fast, Abel put the sloop about, headed for New York, while we jumped down on the halliards and set the canvas yet more smoothly, counting thus to get every ounce of wind that might come our way. “I believe we’re the first off,” Abel said in a tone of exultation as he scanned the surrounding waters without seeing other craft nearabout. “By comin’ down shore we’ve gained a good two hours an’ a half of time, therefore you Minute Boys should make the best showing of all the spies that have been loiterin’ on Long Island since the British fleet came into the bay!” “And how many others, think you, have been engaged in the same task?” I asked. “Well, judgin’ from what I’d do if I was General Putnam, the shore must have been pretty thickly lined with them, because no dozen men could keep watch of all the likely landing-places.” The sloop was tended as never before since having been launched, and the helmsman did not allow his eyes to wander in any direction, but kept them on that point toward which we were headed, lest peradventure we might lose a few yards in distance that could otherwise have been saved. The wind was abeam, and of sufficient strength to send the little craft through the water with a good-sized bone in her teeth, we all the while keeping jealous watch for any who might be putting out from the island. When we were come off Governor’s Island the men in the fortification there, seeing us straining every effort to get the best speed out of our craft, must have guessed somewhat of our purpose, and would have brought us to, that we might answer their questions. We were not minded, however, to tell of what we had seen to any save General Putnam, and kept on our way, evidently much to their anger, for one man went so far as to point a gun at Abel Grant, shouting words we could not distinguish, but which were probably an order for us to heave to without delay.