The little town was being patrolled by men having some semblance of system and discipline. In fact, as the little group came cantering into the town, they were greeted with suspicion, were boldly challenged, and had to explain how they came to be riding horses with accoutrements manifestly belonging to the enemy. There was a talk of "Headquarters," and, Phil in the lead, their horses hitched outside of the town hall building, they were marshalled into the presence of a man upon whom seemed to rest the leadership of the hundred or more men who were scattered about the village, many of whom had come from neighboring settlements to the defence of Lexington. Phil told Captain Parker a good deal that was welcome and important. The startling dash of Paul Revere had been only a warning. Here were couriers direct from the midst of the British, already on the march outside of Boston town. Their report was listened to with eagerness and interest. Then their places were taken by new arrivals. A man would come in with all the able-bodied male members of his family. A stray little group of farmers next put in a plea for active service. No one seemed disposed to shirk a duty--all was loyalty, enthusiasm and courage. "We're here," observed Phil, as he and his comrades stood outside once more, "and I guess we are going to see the first battle of the war." "See it?" echoed Andy vaingloriously. "Why, we're going to be a part of it. I'm full of fight, myself," and he handled over the sabre attached to the saddle of his horse, to which he had taken a great fancy. Couriers had been sent back on the Boston road. These began to come in as the hours wore on. The enemy was on the march ten miles, then eight miles, and now only five miles away. In the meantime, the camp, as it might be called, began to come into some shape and substance. Buildings were transposed into forts, and the strongest detachment lurked about the town hall and at the so-called arsenal of the village. "You see, it's military stores the British are after on this raid," explained Phil. "They know that their capture or destruction will cripple the cause, and here and at Concord are the biggest lot of these stores outside of Boston." "Why didn't they go quietly about it?" inquired Ralph. "They expected to, but, as you have seen, our people were watching their every move." "I bet they will face a tremendous surprise," declared Andy. "Just see how the people are aroused. There's a patriot in every hedge clear to Charles river, and the Minute Men are bound to hinder the redcoats from getting here."