Behind the town lay two small connected hills, which commanded a great part both of the town and the harbor of Boston. Breed's Hill, which was nearest to Boston, was about twenty-five feet, and Bunker Hill was about one hundred and ten feet in height. The peninsula, which was about a mile long, was connected with the mainland by a narrow causeway. In the vicinity of Bunker Hill the army was brought to a halt. Col. Prescott with some skilled engineers and two field guns silently moved to Breed's Hill. The soldiers divested themselves of their trappings, and, under direction, every man began to assist in throwing up a formidable redoubt. "It's no secret now, as to what the colonel is up to," said Phil to Andy, as they met amid the busy scene. "It seems the British had planned to get this hill. It would give a great point of advantage. Well, my guess is that our friend Burt sent word of the Tory plans, and we have simply forestalled them." Tory Boston awoke on that memorable day in June to face a vast surprise. The laggard redcoats, with wonder and chagrin confronted an enemy solidly ensconced behind the fort on Breed's Hill. Before noon several thousand British troops were on the march. Galled by the fire of riflemen in Charlestown, they ruthlessly set the town ablaze and came marching for Bunker Hill. The word passed round that the continental army would make a stout stand in the fort. This was the first tactical battle in which the patriot militia had engaged for many months. Andy's contingent and Phil's gallant Musket Boys were posted in set positions of difficulty and danger, and were willing to do the full work of men. General Howe was now in command of the combined British forces, and about half-past two in the afternoon he gave the order to advance in two divisions, one to storm the redoubt and the other a rail fence which many continentals were using for shelter. Israel Putnam, that brave fighter of old, was on hand, encouraging the soldiers, and when he saw the redcoats advancing he said: "Take your time, boys, don't hurry! Make every bullet tell. Wait till you can see the whites of their eyes. Aim at their waistbands. Pick off the handsome coats!"--meaning by the latter words, the officers. And the gallant soldiers obeyed instructions, as the list of dead and wounded afterwards testified. Though the Musket Boys had been under fire before, this shock of real battle was tremendous, and for one brief instant they thought to retreat. But then each lad closed his teeth tightly, and fought to the best of his ability. They saw men mowed down on all sides of them, but continued to load and fire, and with good effect. "That's the way!" shouted Colonel Prescott, dashing past. "Give it to 'em good and hot!" "We will!" yelled Phil, and the others set up a wild cheer. Then the smoke of battle hid the officer from view.