In a twinkling the old man and I were on the nearest platform; but it was four or five minutes before we could see what Esther had reported, so much sharper were her eyes than ours. Then it was possible to make out no less than twelve boats, loaded to the water’s edge, while along the bank of the river marched a company of soldiers as if keeping watch over the people. “John Butler knows only too well that the wolves which he has let loose upon us are not to be trusted out of sight, and has sent the Tories to make certain the savages bring the people here,” Master Bartlett said to himself, and I am glad to set down here that one honest thing which Butler did after working us such deadly harm. “The trouble will come, if they count on making any, after the people have landed,” I said, counting on getting advice from the old man. “It seems to me we might make more certain the refugees will be brought to the shore, if we send out a couple of canoes, with the best part of our force, to hold the brutes in check after they are beyond range of yonder Tories.” “It is what should be done!” Master Bartlett said, emphatically. “Leave the matter to me, for you must stay in the stockade, and I promise you there will be no treachery on the part of those who are at the paddles.” It would have pleased me better to go with those who ventured out from the shore; but I knew that, as the old man had said, it was my duty to remain, therefore held my peace while he was gathering the company. By this time it was possible to see that each canoe was handled by two savages, who had most likely been sent to take the craft back when the passengers were disembarked, and I trembled with apprehension as I realized what would be the result if the treacherous curs, instead of coming to the shore, kept the boats in the middle of the river until beyond range of the stockade or the Tories. Master Bartlett did not wait for the fleet to come up, but with six of our company in two canoes, set off to meet them, coming up with the foremost while they were yet under the guns of the soldiers on the opposite bank. Then it was he forced them to pass before him on a direct course to our fort, and I took note that the old man seemed to be hurrying those who lagged, lest a single person be spirited away. Thanks to the precautions we had taken--and I verily believe that had we remained within the stockade not one of that sorrowful company would have escaped death--the refugees were soon on shore, making all speed to gain the shelter of the fort, as if there absolute safety would be found. When the last white person had left the canoes, the Indians would have lingered; but Master Bartlett, having landed his force, ordered them away, and the levelled muskets were sufficient incentive for them to obey the command. I watched until it was certain the last red scoundrel had paddled toward the opposite shore, and then came down to meet those who claimed protection from us Minute Boys.