Andy had got a taste of war, and paraded the military feature to the full as the captured redcoats were marched to the wagon, conveyed and guarded by the nine members of the company. He put sentinels on duty, and with remainder of the company grouped about the baggage outfit, awaited the result of his report sent to Concord. It was two hours later when old Silas returned. With him were some twenty men on horseback, provided with ropes and crowbars, as well as weapons. They proceeded to get the baggage train righted, fresh horses in the harness, and were soon able to start with their prizes for Concord. From what they had told, Phil and Andy realized that there was no danger of another raid on the town in the near future. The British invaders were in swift retreat, with pursuers hot on their trail. All along their route they were being peppered constantly with shots from thickets and houses. Their loss had been heavy, their first effort to subdue the colonists had resulted in dire disaster. The tired boys trailed homeward, feeling glad and proud of the share they had taken in the heroic episodes of the evening. As the crowd neared the stockade that surrounded the humble home of Silas, the old Indian fighter fell behind somewhat in company with Phil and Andy. "I say," he observed to the latter, "I feel so good over to-night's work, it makes me lonely for company. There'll be no more fighting to-night. Tell your comrades to notify the folks that you are going to stay with me for a couple of hours, won't you?" The boys were anxious to get back to town, for, more fighting or not, they knew that Concord would be in a vortex of excitement for many hours to come. There was lots to learn of the experience of others. However, both Phil and Andy appreciated the good service the old veteran had given, and they turned into the stockade, past "old Tom," after communicating their intention to their comrades. "First and foremost," said Silas, when they had entered his cozy hut amid the noisy greetings of parrot, pigeons and other fowls and pet animals, "I'm going to refresh the inner man." It was a prime meal that the famous old Indian fighter speedily had ready for them--bear steak, coffee, apple sauce and mince pie, home-made from his own skilled hands. Then Silas brought from the dove cote two of his favored carrier pigeons, and allowed them to walk about the table picking up crumbs, while he began writing on a sheet of paper a brief narrative of the recent battle. "That will get to Boston long before the redcoat raiders," he observed, after finishing the screed, in composing which his guests helped him considerably. "You are going to send that to Boston, Mr. Berks?" spoke Phil, a speculative look on his face. "Yes, right away," nodded Silas. "I don't suppose you could do me a service in the same line?" went on Phil. "Why not? I guess what you're after. You would like to get word to your folks." "Yes, sir," replied Phil hopefully.