We were yet holding converse, seated on the ground near the blockhouse, when Esther Hinchman cried out that Master Bartlett’s party was returning, and, leaping up on the platform, I cried to the old man: “Have you met with disaster that you are back so soon?” “Not a bit of it, lad. We haven’t wiped out any of John Butler’s wolves, nor even seen one, for the very good reason that they have pulled out of the valley.” “What?” I cried, in amazement. “Do you mean that they have followed Butler’s trail?” “As near as we can make out that is exactly what they have done. You lads made it a bit too hot for them last night, and the curs hadn’t the stomachs to wait for another dose. We have an idea that some of them may be hanging around in the hope of doing mischief without risking their skins; but it’s certain the biggest part have left in a hurry.” Is there any need for me to say that we rejoiced that night--not only we who had passed through all the scenes of horror, but those who had so bravely come to our aid? After it was possible to settle down soberly, for we were well-nigh crazed with joy as we had been with grief, we held a consultation wherein each member of our company was free to air his opinions, and it was finally decided that we would hold the stockade until it was certain all the savages had gone from the valley. If then--say two or three weeks later--there appeared no good reason why the Minute Boys were needed there, we were of the mind to offer our services as an independent company of the Continental Army, and Captain Franklin promised to lay the matter before the military authorities without delay, for we were determined that when we did enlist it should be with the express stipulation that we remain together rather than be drafted into this company or that. And now that I am come to an end of what some may claim is no story at all, but a lot of facts pieced not very skilfully together, I am puzzled to know how to stop. It would be a labor of love to tell in detail of all we did from that day when the recruits came to us from Conyngham until the king was glad to make peace, recognizing the United States of America as a new nation which gave promise of becoming one of the world’s great powers; but I fear no one would have the patience to follow the words so long, for we saw much of fighting and adventure. When there was no longer any need of an army, and we were mustered out of service, I was still the captain of the Minute Boys of the Wyoming Valley, while Elias Shendle ranked as first, and Daniel Hinchman as second lieutenant. Giles March was captain of a company from New York and Stephen Morley a major in the Connecticut line.