“Because you were chosen as the leader, and I hold to it that you boys shall do the work.” “When you and Stephen Morley are here it is veriest folly to speak of me, or any other member of our company, being in command,” I cried, and Master Bartlett replied, quietly: “All that may be true, lad, and you still remain the captain. Stephen Morley is a member of the Continental army, and must leave us soon. I am not in shape to be called a soldier, else had I enlisted long since; but there is no reason why I should not stay with the Minute Boys so long as pleases me, and, not having made an agreement to serve in the ranks, will be able to leave at any time without taking the chances of being called a deserter.” At this point Daniel Hinchman began moving around as if at work, and Elias Shendle asked what he was doing. “Getting ready to set out for Forty Fort,” he replied. “There is no good reason why I should idle away the time here.” “It would be folly to make any attempt at crossing the river until after night has come,” I said, and Master Bartlett added: “With the chance that the story, which the curs whom we frightened are sure to tell, will bring a large force of the enemy this way, it is not well that we show ourselves more than may be absolutely necessary during the hours of daylight. Stay where you are, Daniel Hinchman, until night has come, and then you may go out through the entrance which lets on to the river. Stephen Morley and I count on having a look around from now till dark, after which it shall be your turn.” I was considerably surprised and very much disgruntled because the old man was, seemingly, shutting me out from any of the work; but did not think it well to complain just then, lest it should appear as if I was trying to assume command of the party while the older men were present. Half an hour later Stephen Morley and Master Bartlett crept out through the ruins of the house, after cautioning the remainder of us against straying from the tunnel until their return, and we were left to pass the time as best we might. The majority of the party gave themselves up to slumber, and were wise in thus taking advantage of the opportunity; but my thoughts strayed so far into the future, while I speculated on what it might be possible for us lads to do by way of driving the enemy from the valley, that I could not have closed my eyes in rest however hard I might try. Therefore it was that, some time later, when I saw Esther Hinchman moving about as if searching for something, I joined her, asking what she would do. “I was only trying to get a better idea of this queer place where we appear to be so secure,” she replied, and it pleased me well to go with her up and down the length of the tunnel, prying here and there to find more of Eben Towle’s hoardings, until we were come to that end which gave toward the river.