Ralph speedily turned the bow of the boat, and began making for shore. They all kept silent, the Indian stationing himself at the stern, his ear bent attentively, his eye trying to pierce the fog and darkness. The redcoat he had doused and "scalped" had reached the shore. He was now running away from his landing place, bellowing out directions to the approaching boat loads of his fellows. This helped neither them nor himself, for the gloom hung about like a pall. The boys leaped from the boat as they reached the shore. The Indian faced them with the most extravagant gestures. These plainly indicated that they were foolhardy to attempt to get into Boston. He turned and pointed in the direction of the old country road. "Lexington," he said. "Boom--boom!" Phil nodded actively to indicate to the redman that he understood him. The latter looked pleased. He placed his finger tip to his lip to enforce silence, beckoned his companions to follow him, and then stole down the shore like a shadow. It was just in time, for two minutes later the refugees comprehended that the British were landing. The Indian proceeded at a brisk pace for over a half a mile. Here there was a thicket, and he led the boys to it. Soon, he said sententiously--"wait," and disappeared. "Well, Sachem is proving a pretty good friend," observed Andy. "I wonder what he is up to now?" spoke Ralph. "He wants to act quick," said Phil. "The British are certainly landing their troops this side of the river. We shall be surrounded by them if we don't make ourselves scarce." The boys could see lights here and there down the river shore. Once there were some vague shouts, and the echo of a volley of musketry. Way to the west a reddish glare betokened a house on fire, or some patriot beacon. "The air sort of bristles with action, hey, Phil?" remarked Andy. "I wish my Concord crowd was here. We'd soon make up some plan to fight or annoy these bold redcoats." "Some one is coming!" said Ralph just then, and thereupon the Indian stepped into view. To the amazement of the boys he led three horses. These were army steeds fully accoutred, and at the saddle of each hung a sabre and a short cavalry musket. "Sachem" conveyed to his friends that he had stolen them. He had evidently located other horses, and according to his pantomime had set them free. "He has happened upon some redcoat detachment this side of the river, waiting for orders to move," suggested Andy. "Say, fellows, here is a layout that's famous, eh?" "Sachem" pointed again solemnly, and Phil knew that he was indicating Lexington, and advising them to proceed in that direction. He began to thank the Indian, but the latter, with a grunt of satisfaction at having been of service to his friends and at settling his score with the redcoats, backed away and disappeared. "Phil," cried Andy buoyantly, "this is unmistakable, I reckon!" and he sprang into one of the saddles.