^ jf- yyV ' ^ ~ *- ' ' 1 f#&&^j^- : - *& ' ^n ''j^g^*^^^' S5" ; ^:* be seen, and yet a murderous fire is poured upon one from every side, as I said before, we were equal to three, yes, to ten trained soldiers who knew no more than to stand up and be shot at. As for beating the redcoats at their own game, why, bless you, lad, they were like teething babies, and fell by the score where not a single life need have been lost. Afterward, we who fought side by side with them in '58 showed that, with a bit of training, we could stand equally well in front of them in '76, and, what is more, we did it, to their sorrow. However, that is neither here nor there, so far as telling you of the time when Israel Putnam served the King. As I said, we were come to Fort Edward and met the major. There wasn't any red-tape business about calling out a recruiting officer and enlisting a man, swearing him in, and all that sort of folderol ; but the major made soldiers of us a good deal like this : " Glad to see you, young Seabury. How's your father ? Has he been doing anything with winter wheat on that burnt land this year ? Well, Cowden, you have decided it's time to serve the King, eh ? Better that than trying to raise wool up Connecticut way. Enlist with me ? Why, who else would a Pomfret boy serve under, if not Israel Putnam ? Find yourselves quarters, and I'll see you have 1 8 ll'HEX ISRAEL PCTA'AM SERVED THE A'/A'G. work in plenty. That red beast of a Molang is making it warm for us whenever he gets a chance, and you won't be idle." We found quarters without much trouble, for a good many Pomfret lads served under the major, and before having been at the fort half an hour it was as if we were at home. Now I am not counting on telling you all the whys and wherefores of the French wars, nor of the bloody business the frog-eaters daubed their hands in for the sake of best- ing us. It is only of the part Amos Cowden and I played, and we set about it in less than four and twenty hours from the time of having declared our willingness to serve the King. When we arrived, Amos and I, General Abercrombie had already given commands that the Rangers meaning in that case mostly the colonists who had enlisted like our- selves were to set out from Fort Edward to watch the enemy nearabout Ticonderoga ; for it was from that direc- tion, as you know, that trouble might be expected, and it was from there that it did finally come. Unused as I was to seeing large bodies of men together, it was difficult for me to guess just how many did march on that day after we came into the fort. To the best of my belief, however, there were between four and five hun- dred, in three divisions ; the right under Major Rogers, the left, in which could be found Amos and I, under Major Putnam, and the centre under Captain Dalyell. Now, in our division was, all told, not more than fifty, AT SOUTH BAY. 21 and when, at the end of the second day's travel, we were arrived near to South Bay, on Lake Champlain, it was decided that Israel Putnam's force should remain there, while Major Rogers and Captain Dalyell were to go further on. Why it was the troops did not keep together, I cannot say, unless the leaders had an idea that the redskins might make an approach from Lake George, at Bluff or Shelving Rock, after our people had gone on towards Ticonderoga. However it might be, we camped at what was known as the Elbow, half a mile or less from the entrance to South Bay, and here it seemed to me at the time as if a great disaster came upon us, one which could not well be explained. The Rangers were a hardy set, like all the colonists in those days, and much averse to admitting that they were sick. I myself would have held my head up and marched with, the command so long as it might be possible, however ill I felt, and you can fancy there was not a man among us inclined to be womanish. Therefore it was, I say, a disaster which could not be explained, when more than half our force gave out entirely on the morning after making camp ; and you may be cer- tain not one among them was shamming. The major danced here and there like a widow bewitched, trying to make up his mind what had so suddenly come over all hands, and knowing meanwhile, beyond any rea- sonable chance for doubt, that the brute of a Molang, with 22 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. five, six, or seven hundred painted imps at his back, was prowling around close at hand. Go back to the fort ? Yes, of course we might ; but I question, lad, whether Israel Putnam would have done such a thing even had the whole fifty of his men been unfit for duty. As for Amos and I, we never so much as dreamed that such a thing could be possible. It was a matter of pushing ahead, or, that being im- possible, to remain where you were, rather than show up at the fort before the work mapped out had been performed. If the major discovered what caused this sudden sick- ness, he did not tell us ; but, on the second day, when 'the invalids showed little or no signs of improvement, fifteen were ordered back to the fort, and, although not a man of them but what should have been in the hospital, there was great ado made because Israel Putnam insisted they must beat a retreat. However, to make a long story short, they went, and thirty-five of us remained on the lookout for Molang, giv- ing little or no heed to the fact that we were but a hand- ful of men waiting for the coming of hundreds. Yes, I am free to admit it was not a pleasant outlook, particularly for Amos and I, who were green at this wholesale Injun-hunting, as you might call it ; but perhaps both of us took good care to keep it a secret from each other if we grew timorous now and then, and when the squad of fifteen departed, grumbling furiously as they AT SOUTH BAY. 2$ went, we who were left behind understood that we must do double duty if we would save our hair and our lives. Our numbers were yet further reduced by the spies which the major kept on the move all the time, for, unlike the commander of the right division, who was not what you might call an Injun-fighter, Israel Putnam knew that, in measuring strength or cunning with Molang, he must ever be on the alert. Now we all understood for a certainty that, when the savages made their appearance, it would be in such force that we could have but little chance against them, unless provided with something in the way of a fortification, and here was where the soldier in our major showed itself. Near where we had camped, the lake, as you know, is very narrow, and the shores are like rocky cliffs, on the top of which are dense thickets. We who were not on scouting duty, or acting as senti- nels, were set about carrying loose rocks to the very edge of the cliffs, where we built a breastwork, as you might say, and afterwards, by hewing small pine-trees and plac- ing them in front of this defence, completely hid it from view of any one who might pass on the lake. It was such a fortification as heartened us all wonder- fully, for even though we were determined to hold our own so long as might be, even Amos and I, the youngest of the party, knew full well of how little avail thirty-five men might be against such a force as Molang would bring. Therefore, I say, this breastwork heartened us wonderfully, and, at the close of the second day after the 24 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. sick men of the division had left us, the major, making a tour of the little fort, halted in such a position that all might hear his words, saying cheerily, much as though inviting us to a feast at his own farmhouse in Pomfret : " Lads, it is well done, and should serve better purpose than that of sheltering us while we lay here idle. If it so be you are minded, and I have a strong idea ^C no one will sa y na y to the plan, V^-^'/f"7^?~ . we'll make an ^Sw^STito L i. attack upon whatever force may come. Let that brute Molang show him- self at the head of a hundred or a thousand, and I say to you, lads, we're a match for them. To pass down in canoes they must all come within musket-shot, and you are men who seldom waste a bullet. What say you?" There was no cheering, for, situated as we were, even loud conversation was forbidden, and I believe no one AT SOUTH BAY. 2$ before had raised his voice as high as our major when he thus addressed us. Yet, if the cheers were lacking, the evidence of our spirit was not. For reply to Israel Putnam's question, every one of us, and Amos and I were not among the hindermost, arose with our muskets in our hands, to show that we were ready for whatever might come. If, perchance, there flashed into my mind the thought that, however brave a showing we might make when the red imps first appeared, there could be little question of the result should they give battle, it must not be set down as cowardice, for I hold to it that he only is brave who knows all the dangers before him. " It is well," the major said, quietly, in a tone of con- tent. " There is nothing now for us to do save remain on the alert. When a man among you sees a spot in the defence which might be strengthened, let him repair it, tak- ing good heed, however, that the line is not weakened too severely, and from now until the red fiend Molang appears, if it so be he does, we must sleep with one eye open." Bear in mind, lad, that we were but thirty-five. Within twenty miles at the farthest, and perhaps only a tenth of that distance away, was a force of French and Indians, so General Abercrombie had been informed, of not less than two thousand, and we had as leader a man who was of the mind to attack the first body of men or brutes which appeared, however large. With that before you, you can, mayhap, understand 26 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. what was in Amos' s mind and mine as, on this second night, we lay behind the wall of stones, listening intently for the slightest unusual sound, knowing it would betoken the coming of the foe. " I am thinking we are like to stay here till Gabriel sounds the last trumpet, if Molang comes this way soon," Amos said to me in a whisper. " I do not count the French as enemies greatly to be feared while we fight in the woods ; but he is worse than a fool who would belit- tle the danger in case any considerable body of Indians appear." " And do you say that, Amos, meaning it is your idea the major is overbrave ? " " It would be no fault in him if he were that, and we know he is. I spoke only of what you well understand : that we are like to stay here long, if the red imps come in any number." " Do you envy those who, being sick, returned to Fort Edward?" I asked, more in jest than in earnest, for I would not have allowed another to thus question Amos Cowden's courage. " You know, Zenas, that he who desired to go back could have done so, and did I show any inclination to leave my comrades ? " " No, lad, I but jested. I would like to hear why you thought it necessary to state what all of us know full well." " Perhaps it would hearten me a bit to put into words that which is in my mind." AT SOUTH BAY. 2J "Are you suddenly grown timorous?" I asked, smiling, but not daring to laugh, lest I break the silence. " I am, in good truth, Zenas Seabury ; but at the same time I hold it is no shame. I am thinking that this, our first service for the King, is like to be our last." " That I grant you, lad, and what more ? We came of our own free will, and the major did but accept of our service, as we requested." " Aye, Zenas, and being here, we shall do our best ; yet now I have a favour to ask for the future. Do you re- member the story Cyrus Litchfield told of his brother Robert's fate?" " But why do you conjure up such pictures at this time,. Amos ?" I asked, almost petulantly. " Because our ending is like to be that of his, unless we prepare against it in advance. You remember, Cyrus said Robert was tied with green withes to a tree ; that the red fiends shot arrows into him, taking good care none inflicted a deadly wound, until he was fairly bristling with them, and then a slow fire was kindled under his feet, in such a manner that the wind had full sweep, thus ploughing the smoke away, which prevented him from be- ing suffocated ; that he was upwards of five hours dying." There had come into my mind, before Amos spoke, this story which Cyrus Litchfield told, and Robert was scarce a year older than we ; but I put it away hastily, lest it make me cowardly. Now I was almost angered because my comrade had brought it so fresh to mind, and said, more hotly than I 28 WHEN ISRAEL PUTA T AM SERVED THE KING. would have done had I stopped an instant to consider how near we both were to death : " If you can bring before you, at such time, nothing better than this horrible picture, it were well you had gone with the sick, back to Fort Edward, for of a verity you will do no service here." " Do not be angered, Zenas. I spoke with a purpose, but it was not to recall horrors simply for the sake of repeating them." " To what end, then, have you spoken ? " " To ask this favour : if it should so be that we attack Molang's force, and are worsted, as it seems positive we must be, do you keep the last bullet for me. I will promise to do the same for you. Knowing that I have your word, I shall no longer fear Robert Litchfield's fate, and can fight with better heart to the last." Now was the lad showing himself of braver metal than I, and, acting on the impulse of the moment, I flung both my arms around him. He returned the embrace, and while one might have counted twenty, we two sat there, strengthened by thoughts of the friendship which each entertained for the other, as well as heartened by the promise of what should be done, when the last hour came. Because of having made arrangements to avoid pain in the future, we were not minded to neglect precautions in the present, and set about strengthening that portion of the wall where we were stationed, working so long as the twilight permitted. A T SOUTH BAY. 31 It was as if Israel Putnam never remained in a single spot two minutes at a time. Here arid there, from one end of the fortification to the other, he walked cautiously, as though following the trail of the foe, seeing to it that every man of our little band was on the alert, and ever ready to speak such word as might hearten. When it came so dark we could do no more than remain silent and motionless, trusting to our ears to give us warning of the approach of the foe, I insisted that Amos sleep while I watched, and thus, turn and turn about, should we two pass the night. Not until I had promised to awaken him within an hour, did the dear lad consent to the plan, and thus we spent the time until daybreak, expecting each instant to be engaged in conflict, yet hearing nothing to betoken the presence of an enemy. Why it was that all of us who watched behind the breastworks on the shore of South Bay should have been so positive the enemy would come this night, I know not ; but be that as it may, we were happily disappointed when the sun rose again, and more than one ventured the opin- ion that Major Rogers's division, not ours, would be the first to discover the foe. "We shall meet them here," Israel Putnam said, as though he could read the future. " We shall meet them here, lads of Connecticut, and however strong they may be in numbers, the meeting will be a sorry one for them." CHAPTER II. THE ATTACK. OF what passed during the next eight and forty hours, there is little need I should speak, because it would simply be to use the same words over and over again. We remained on the alert, as may well be imagined, Amos and I, side by side, and only once after that second night did he speak of the promise we had made each other. Then it was, when our time of waiting had well-nigh come to an end, that he said, as if referring to what was already beyond a peradventure : " We'll not forget what it may be necessary to do for each other before many hours, and our hearts will not fail us at the last moment ?" " I remember as if the promise were but just made," was my reply; and from that time the subject was not brought up again. During this eight and forty hours we lived on short allowance, as can well be fancied, for the troops in those days did not carry large supplies of provisions with them, each man run his own commissary department when 32 THE ATTACK. 33 we were on the march, save it might be immediately after having left the outposts of a settlement. It was shortly after sunset, on the night of the fourth day after we made camp at the Elbow, when one of the men, whom I knew had been out on the scout, came into the fortification, if such a term could be given our rude approach at a defence, hurriedly, and with an ex- pression on his face which told that he brought news of importance. At the moment, Major Putnam stood near to where Amos and I had posted ourselves, and thus it was we heard the full report of the scout. The man was an Indian who had taken service because of his friendliness for Israel Putnam, and that which he said I knew could be depended on beyond peradventure. " Molang, with no less than four hundred Indians and a hundred Frenchmen, has made a portage from Lake George, landing near to Shelving Rock, and is now approaching," the scout said, speaking in his native tongue, which was not unfamiliar to either Amos or I, we having learned it from no less a person than this same redskin himself. It is true he did not utter the very words I have repeated ; but in his way that was what the information meant. Although he reported the number of the enemy at five hundred, it appeared as if our major was fearful lest he should not have an opportunity of meeting them with his squad of thirty - five men, and he asked, with much of anxiety in his tones : 34 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. "Are you certain they come this way, Sewatis ? " " I remained near by until the foremost began launching their canoes. They will pass in half an hour." " Faith, but you are giving to us little time for prepa- ration ; and yet I do not know that we need it," the major said, as if speaking to himself, and then, turning to me, he added : " Did you understand what Sewatis said, Seabury ? " " Yes, sir ; it was he who taught me how to speak his lingo." " Then see to it you remain on the alert. Remember, not the slightest sound, no matter how fair a target may present itself, until I give the word." Then he moved from one to the other of our little party, telling of the news which had been brought, and, as I sup- pose, giving some orders to each man in turn, until all of us who were then behind the wall of the rock knew what might be expected. At this moment there were but three, now that Sewatis had returned, who were out on the scout, Lieutenant Durkee and two men who lived nearabout Guilford. " In half an hour there will be fifteen of the enemy against every one of us," Amos whispered, softly. " It is odds such as pleases the major, and yet I should be better content were we more nearly equal in force." " These breastworks, and the fact that they will be in canoes when we fire upon them, give us big advantage, even though we be small in numbers," I replied, deter- mined to keep in mind whatsoever might serve to hearten THE ATTACK. 35 me, for of a verity I was growing weak-kneed at the thought of the desperate encounter in which we must soon take part. At this moment, the major glided noiselessly as a pan- ther past where we were lying, and seemingly as eager as such a brute when he is in search of prey. We held our peace, lest he should reprove us for even o much as a whisper, which would surely be a grave offence when you remember the nature of those whom we knew were approaching. It was as if nature would aid us in the coming struggle. The night was so calm that the flame of a candle would hardly have flickered ; not a cloud could be seen in the sky, and it was the time of the full moon. Below us, the water, so narrow at this point that a mus- ket-ball would readily carry to the opposite shore, and had a leaf floated by on the surface of the lake, it could easily have been distinguished from where we lay. If the red murderers ventured around the Elbow, they must pass within fifty yards of our ambush, and even though we were worsted in the end, as I doubted not would be the case, certain it was we should make havoc among them before they were recovered from the first surprise. I don't know how it may have been with Amos, but, as for me, every one of those twenty-five or thirty minutes which were spent there, expecting each instant to see the foremost of the fleet of canoes appear on the moonlit waters, was like unto ten ordinary minutes, and I thought 36 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. again and again that even the conflict, unequal though it must be, would seem like a relief. When the suspense was ended, it was suddenly, and though the coming of the enemy had been expected, I fancied more than one of our comrades started in surprise when the first craft appeared in view. Involuntarily I glanced back towards where I had last seen the major. He was standing with up-raised hand, as if to command silence, and, at the same instant, peering gravely out over the water, a look on his face which, to my mind, would have boded ill for Molang's murderous crew had we been in greater numbers. Brief as was the time of my looking back, when I glanced towards the water again, it was as if the entire surface was covered with canoes filled with painted sav- ages, and I wondered how Sewatis could have made such a mistake as to numbers, for it seemed that already I saw more than a thousand men, and as yet the entire French portion of the force had not appeared. Amos was literally quivering with excitement, and I put out my hand to steady the flint-lock, which had nearly dropped from his grasp. Had it been other than Amos Cowden who thus trem- bled, I would have said he was afraid ; but I knew my comrade better than that, and had seen him when the Indians, while not as numerous, were where it was possible to do us more harm. Instead of looking at the foremost boats, I kept my THE ATTACK. 37 eyes fixed upon the point from where they appeared, that I might see the last ; and yet the end came not when it was as if a quarter of an hour had passed, while, all in front of me, the moonlit wa- ter was darkened by this murderous crew. Once more I glanced to- wards the major, saying to myself that surely now was come the time when he would give the signal. His hand was still raised as if to command silence, and I wondered why we were held back when not a man among us could fail of hitting his target. 38 \VHEA T ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. Already were the foremost of the canoes past our breastworks, and then suddenly came a noise so slight that, under other circumstances, I would have hardly given it heed ; but now it was as a clap of thunder in my ears. One of the Guilford men had, perhaps, while shaking with the same ague fit that affected Amos, struck his musket against a rock. As if it had been the report of a gun, those in the foremost canoes ceased paddling, and gazed around sus- piciously. So clear was the night that I could even see the weapons in their hands as the painted imps prepared for the attack. Some of the paddlers, not knowing whence the sound proceeded, and fearing to venture on, sent the ashen blades deep in the water, as they forced their light craft backward, with the result that before one could have counted thirty, the whole fleet was jammed together, the current setting them directly towards our ambush. I was certain now had come the time when the word to fire would be given, and yet the major remained silent. We could hear the enemy below talking rapidly in low tones, as if discussing the cause of the alarm, and then, some decision having been arrived at, the canoes were put about, the foe so valiant when unprotected women and children stood before them, were about to retreat because of a noise which might have been a chipmunk ! It was while all this light craft lay in a mass, the canoes coming closely together because of the attempt THE ATTACK. 39 to turn them, that Israel Putnam said, in a low, sharp tone : " Now, boys ! Don't waste a bullet ! " I question if, in that first volley, when no more than thirty-five balls were sent towards the water, as small a number of wounds were inflicted ; some of the bullets must have done double work, and I believe, in fact, I am positive in my own mind, that more than fifty of the enemy were disabled. There was no need for the major to give an order to reload. Every one of us knew that his life depended upon the quickness of his movements then. Now was our advantage, and if we failed to take it, then indeed were we undone. I know not how it might have been with the others, but as for me, I was already ramming the balls into the barrel of my musket when Molang's crew got their wits together sufficiently to fire in our direction, and then I heard Amos laugh, for the discharge was as harmless as if the weapons had been pointed towards the sky. Again we sent a shower of lead, not this time as one man, but in a scattering volley, each discharging his weapon as soon as it was loaded, and again do I believe that more than one bullet did double work. It seemed as if in every canoe were two or three disabled savages ; yet the fire was returned, and four times was this repeated before I heard a cry from our men. 40 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. Then it was him from Guilford who had unwittingly given the alarm, and an instant later Sewatis, who had been standing near to Major Putnam, suddenly dropped his flint-lock. Twice more, six volleys in all, did Molang's crew fire at us, and then I believe that fiend in human shape began to understand how few we were in numbers, for such fact could readily be seen when the muskets were discharged at intervals. We heard a loud word of command from him, when suddenly ten or twelve canoes were detached from the mass that was being sent in hot haste up South Bay, and, skirting as near as might be to the opposite shore, were making as if to attack us from the rear. It was Israel Putman who commanded our forces, which is as if I said it was a man ready for any emer- gency, and watchful ever for the slightest movement on the part of the foe. Hardly had these twelve canoes started past the Elbow, when he ordered Lieutenant Durkee to take twelve men and see to it they did not land. We had little time to spend on this party who were gone to protect our rear. The force was thus weakened by thirteen men ; two others were wounded, and there were but twenty able bodies among us. Even though we had done our best before, we must make yet greater exertions. We, meaning Amos and I, had discharged our muskets until powder-horns and bullet-pouches were well-nigh emp- THE ATTACK. 4! tied, and then the last of the canoes had disappeared around the point. It was time to get some ammunition, and I went from man to man, asking who could give me of their store, until I had come to the last, and learned what caused me to grow even more timorous than when I first knew our little band of thirty-five was to attack five hundred of Molang's scoundrelly savages, our powder and ball were well-nigh exhausted ! "You must do the best you can with what is left, lad," Major Putnam said, hearing me tell Amos the result of the mission. " Make every bullet count, and then, if God wills, we'll stand back to back until succour comes or we fall." It was a brave speech ; but at the moment I would rather have had powder and ball than all his heartening words, for there was behind them a suggestion not at all to my liking. "Remember that we are to keep one bullet each for the other," Amos whispered to me, in a tone so low that the major could not have overheard him had he made the attempt. Then, leaning over the wall of rock, pushing away here and there one of the trees which had marked our forti- fication, that we might the better keep watch on that stretch of water directly opposite the point, we waited, fully believing Molang would return once more, when his scoundrelly crew were recovered somewhat from the drubbing they had received. 42 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. Then it was from the rear we heard the sound of firing, and knew Lieutenant Durkee, with his little squad, was doing what he might to prevent the painted foe from landing. When, after perhaps five minutes, the rattle of mus- ketry died away, we asked ourselves, hardly daring to ask each other, if he had succeeded in his work, been cut down, or was run short of ammunition. Half an hour later we knew the former of the three possibilities was the fact, for then the canoes which had lately gone down the bay were seen creeping up near the opposite shore to rejoin the main fleet, and they were hardly past our fortification when the lieutenant returned. He had repulsed the foe without having lost a man. He reported that his task had been an easy one ; the savages, cowardly save when all the odds are in their favour, had speedily beat a retreat when he made the first opposition to their landing, and that which he had done was as if he had been driving a flock of sheep. As before the coming of Molang's horde, everywhere was silence. Again it seemed as if we were alone on the shore of the bay, with no human beings near, and yet we knew that less than a mile distant were those who thirsted for our blood, and would strain every nerve and muscle to kill us. Now were the scouts sent out once more, and we who were unharmed resumed our task of watching when nothing was to be seen. THE ATTACK. 45 Israel Putnam began his stealthy pacing to and fro, stopping only when he halted beside the wounded men to make certain they were not suffering for lack of anything which we might give, and from time to time sending forth one on the scout. "Why might we not do our share of that work?" Amos asked, suddenly, of me. " Surely we are able, having done it often before, and I warrant you, Zenas, we could perform our part without being ashamed before some of those men whom I have seen at work." "We may not do it because the major has bidden others," I replied. "Yet if we ask as a favour, he might permit us." " But that I would not do. Israel Putnam knows whether we are to be trusted or not, and if he fails to summon us, it is not our place to remind him, lest perad- venture he may say we are of value only in our own estimation." " Almost anything would be better than lying here, knowing that Molang's crew may be creeping up on us each instant." "They would creep the same were we scouting." "Aye; but it is less painful to know a thing, than to imagine it," Amos replied, with a laugh which had in it very little of mirth, and then he fell silent. I think it was near to morning when all those who had been sent out to spy upon the enemy came back at the same time, and we could have guessed the news they brought before the foremost reported to the major : 46 lt'//A r ISRAEL PCTXAM SERVED THE A'/A'G. " Both the Indians and Frenchmen have landed and are marching this way, coming in such order as to surround our force." For the moment Israel Putnam appeared to me as if he was minded to give them battle regardless of the dispar- ity in numbers, but then there must have come into his mind for he was not a careless man the thought of how soon a battle would be finished should we begin one, owing to our lack of ammunition, and, in an instant, as it were, his plan had been formed. Detailing two men to accompany the wounded, he ordered them to proceed by the nearest course to the fort. "As for ourselves, sir?" the lieutenant stopped to ask. "There is but one course left us, and that is to beat a retreat." It was done as quietly and leisurely as if there was no reason why we should hasten. The men were bidden to gather up their belongings, and to follow the lieutenant silently, in single file. As for Israel Putnam, he remained in the rear, and I doubt not but that it would have pleased him had the enemy come so near as to give good excuse for a brush. Amos and I were about midway in the line. Because of lacking years, I suppose it was fancied we might also lack courage, and it hurt me that we were not given a better chance to show Israel Putnam we were more to be depended upon than those men from Guilford, who were well in the advance. THE ATTACK. 49 We marched silently and rapidly for upwards of an hour, going not towards the fort, but rather in the direction of Deer Pasture Mountain, to avoid the enemy. It seemed positive we must have given him the slip, when suddenly, from out among the foliage, while yet no person could be seen, came a volley of musketry, and one of our small band fell. CHAPTER III. DESERTING THE WOUNDED. WHEN the shower of lead came out from amid the foliage without warning, we naturally supposed some portion of Molang's forces had succeeded in swing- ing around to cut off our retreat, and the echoes had hardly died away when Amos whispered, hoarsely : " Remember to save the last bullet ! " In view of the fact that our ammunition was so well nigh spent we could not afford to throw away a single shot, instead of replying to this musket-fire as would ordinarily have been done, Israel Putnam gave the order to " Charge." We had been marching in single file, but when the first interruption came our small band clustered together until, by the time the major had spoken, we were a compact body ; and although it was no pleasant thing to make a charge amid the foliage, upon, as we supposed, a company who would skulk from tree to tree, there was no hesi- tation in obeying the order. Before we were well in motion, however, a voice, coming from that point whence the firearms had been discharged, cried : 5 DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 51 Hold ! We are friends ! " Involuntarily we halted the merest fraction of time, and then came most likely to all, as it did to Amos and I, the thought that this was but a trick to prevent action on our part until another volley could be thrown among us ; and we were moving forward without awaiting a second word of command, when Israel Putnam halted the force, as he shouted to the unseen detachment who had treated us as foes : " If we be friends, as you say, why that volley ? " "We are from Fort Edward," the voice replied, and, almost at the same instant, a British officer stepped into view. "The scouts brought in word of how hotly you were pressed, and we are sent to cover your retreat." There was not a man among us who could well control his temper at this moment. We provincials had little faith in the abilities of the trained British soldiers in such warfare as must be waged when savages were our foes, and this blunder, which might have cost a dozen lives, was inexcusable. Even Israel Putnam lost control of his temper, and cried, hotly, while the red-coated officer was advancing : " Whether you be friends or foes, you deserve death for doing so slight execution with as fair a shot. Had we been of the French, with the ordinary backing of savages, that volley must have been your last." The King's troops had as little confidence in us provin- cials as we in them, and this officer's face flushed at being thus reproved, not for the blunder, but because, while 52 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. firing from ambush, he had succeeded in wounding only one man. He came towards the major with the air of one who has a grievance, and during ten minutes or more the two held converse. We of the rank and file could only guess at what passed between our major and the King's officer, but in our minds we knew who was the better soldier, so far as this kind of warfare went, and I felt much as did Amos, when he whispered to me : " I only hope that red-coated gentleman will hear all which I believe is in Israel Putnam's mind to say." While these two were talking, the older provincials dressed the wound of him who had been stricken down, which fortunately was a slight one, and Amos and I were watching the operation when our major called, sharply : " Zenas Seabury ! I started as if this summons was a reproof, and then, immediately after, realising that I had committed no fault, stepped forward, Amos following, although his name had not been called. The older members of our division looked jealously upon us when the major, having parted company with the Brit- ish officer, stepped back several paces, lest any of our people should hear what was said. " Although you two be but lads, I know the stock from whence you sprung, and can trust you better than some of those who claim to have had more experience. The DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 53 detachment will, of course, move towards Fort Edward, with the idea that, before arriving there, we shall be joined by the other two divisions. It is my purpose to send out as many as can be safely spared, to make known to Major Rogers and Captain Dalyell the reason for our retreat, lest they be cut off. Are you two lads of the mind to venture on the work ? " "Aye, sir, that we are," I answered, promptly, for the service suited me far better than this playing at the sol- dier when we had little or no idea of military duty ; and Amos stepped more closely to my side, in order that the reply might be taken as his. " Heed well the dangers which must be encountered ; remember that we are most likely surrounded by French and Indians to the number of perhaps a thousand or more ; that in event of failure a cruel death must follow." This Israel Putnam said almost as if he would dissuade us from accepting the service he himself had proposed. " We know all that full well, sir," I replied, taking Amos by the hand, that it should appear as if both had spoken. " You are kind enough to say you know the stock from which we have sprung. You also know, sir, what we can do, for this is not the first time we have been in your company, although never before as a King's soldier." " Aye, lad ; save for that I had not proposed the enter- prise." "Then you can understand, sir," I continued, embold- ened by his kindly manner, " that we would willingly face 54 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. any danger rather than refuse whatsoever you might pro- pose." " I believe you, lad, and it is because of that, that I point out all the dangers, preferring rather that you should go of your own free will than because I sent you." " And in good truth, sir, such service is more to our liking than remaining with the company, when we can do no better than the veriest coward among them, and even that is denied while the ammunition runs so low," Amos replied. " It is well said, lad, and we will let that end the matter. I can give you no instructions other than to find Rogers and Dalyell as soon as may be. Tell them we are making our way as slowly as is consistent with safety towards Fort Edward, and, if possible, will camp near Fort Anne, on Clear River, where I hope they may come up with us. You shall be plentifully supplied with ammunition, because it is no crime to lighten the pouches of the redcoats, who should have used their charges with better results when they fired upon us by mistake. Consult your best judg- ment as to how the mission may be accomplished. It was Rogers's intention to have halted within ten or twelve miles from where we made our stand, and Dalyell must be near- about that vicinity." He had scarce ceased speaking, when two red-coated soldiers advanced, having been sent most likely by their officer, to fill our powder-horns and shot-pouches to over- flowing. A third came forward with such store of dried venison DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 55 and corn meal as could be spared, and we were ready for the enterprise. Amos would have set out immediately ; but I held him in check a moment, that we might learn if the major had any further commands for us. It was as if we no longer had an existence so far as Israel Putnam was concerned. He was talking with two of the older provincials, most likely sending them out on the same mission with which we were entrusted, and I hesitated no longer. " You are right, Amos. We will go at once," and, with- out a thought of leave-taking, we struck off into the wilder- ness in the direction from which the squad had just come. If Amos Cowden and I had had no previous experience in such work, I doubt not but that we would soon have been gobbled up by Molang's painted imps, for they were everywhere around us, as we learned before having left the detachment a mile in the rear. These murdering villains were as thick as blackberries in September, and one had need to take heed to his every step lest suddenly he come full upon one. No less than eight did we see while we traversed barely more than a mile in distance, and I thought for Amos and I dared not speak one to the other even in a whisper, that perchance we were in no greater danger than the detachment, for it seemed to me they were already com- pletely surrounded. After a distance of two miles more had been covered, it was as if we had passed the danger-line, and were beyond 56 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. the painted scouts, for now we neither heard their move- ments nor saw a fresh trail, and by this time it was nigh to noon, although we had started early in the morning. When one considers well all that may be around him before he dares advance a single step, the progress is exceedingly slow, and we were minded to use the excess of precaution rather than not enough. It seemed to me that we would be safe in halting suffi- ciently long to eat a leisurely meal, for since the night previous we had partaken of food only in fragments, now and then a mouthful. We were tired, rather because of anxiety than on account of actual labour performed, and ate slowly, that we might enjoy our halt ; but it was as if we had no more than begun before certain sounds proclaimed the approach of man or beast. It can well be imagined that we took our precautions as if positive the noises were caused by the former, and, after hurriedly obliterating all signs of having halted in that place, we crouched behind the trees, for whoever approached was coming directly towards us, with such lack of prudence as caused me to believe they were neither Indians nor of our party. Then, when perhaps five minutes had passed, to my surprise we saw advancing those two of Israel Putnam's command who had been detailed to accompany the wounded to Fort Edward. We stepped into full view, and there was an incautious exclamation of satisfaction from the men as they saw us. DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 59 " Have you taken leave of your wits that you speak so loudly here, when we know, beyond a peradventure, the woods are filled with Molang's crew ? " Amos asked, in an angry whisper, although these newcomers were older than we by many years. " You are frightened without cause, lad," one of them replied. " Molang's forces are making straight for the fort." " Then they have left a good many behind, for we have seen not less than twenty scouts since leaving Major Putnam's command ; but how is it you are here ? Where are the wounded men ? " In an instant the expression on the faces of these two changed, and I knew without being told that some disaster had overtaken them. " We were pursued by the savages before having gone two miles," one of them said, "and to escape was impos- sible, while we remained with the wounded." " But surely you did not desert them ? " I cried ; and these cowards must have understood what was in my mind, for they said, like men who excuse themselves to lawful accusers : " It would have been death for all four had we re- mained, and the wounded themselves proposed that we leave them. Better two escape than that four be killed." " I would not say that, had I been one of the four," Amos muttered, speaking so low that I question whether his words were overheard save by me. " When the pursuit became so hot that we knew it was 6O WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. impossible to escape, Sewatis insisted we should leave them to their fate," one of the men said, speaking hur- riedly, as if he would tell all his story before it was possi- ble for us to check him. " Had there been any chances we could have saved their lives, this thing would not have happened ; but, as it was, death staring four in the face if we remained, and the chance that two might escape if we fled, we followed the Indian's advice. So close were Molang's crew, that ere we were out of sight two brutes came up, and before he was tomahawked I saw our com- rade fire three shots, each of which marked the death of one of the foe. By that time we had succeeded in putting a greater distance between us and the enemy, and saw nothing more ; but it seemed certain Sewatis was reserved as prisoner, because no further shots were fired while we were in that vicinity. Which way are you two going ? " " Down the shore, to open communication with Major Rogers," I replied, curtly, not caring to hold further con- verse with these men who would abandon helpless com- rades without making one effort towards saving their lives. " And Major Putnam's force ? " " Is surrounded by a thousand or more French and Indians, and trying to gain Fort Edward." " Then it would seem as if there was little hope we could rejoin them ? " the man who told the story of the desertion asked. I nodded my head, but made no reply. " It will, perhaps, be better that we remain with you ; " and one would have said from the manner in which the DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 6 1 man spoke that he believed we should be pleased with such comrades. I glanced towards Amos and fancied I read from the expression on his face thoughts similar to mine, therefore said, without compunction, even though these cowards were our elders : "We shall be better content alone, and the danger is far too great for you to take part in." The man appeared as if astonished because we did not welcome his company, and made reply : " If the woods are so full of Indians as you think, surely there is greater safety in numbers." It angered me that he should not understand when I had already spoken so plainly, and, without further care as to whether his feelings were hurt, I said, sharply : " When the numbers are increased by those who desert wounded comrades, Amos Cowden and I would rather travel alone." This time the fellow got through his thick head some- what of my meaning, and for a moment I fancied he was on the point of giving way to anger, which would have troubled me but little ; but he checked himself, and turned aside to speak with his companion, whereupon I motioned to Amos, and, before the two comrades were well aware of our movements, we had slipped off among the foliage. " Better take no rest at all, than have as companions such as they," Amos whispered, in a tone of disgust, and we finished our meal while travelling. 02 WHEN ISRAEL PUTNAM SERVED THE KING. We were making as nearly as we could, not being thor- oughly familiar with the country, a straight course for Black Mountain, counting on continuing along its base, beyond Sugar Loaf, to that portion of Lake Champlain opposite Bluff Point, on the shores of Lake George, where was a portage ; and it was reasonable to suppose Major Rogers would have to halt there, know- ing Molang's crew might cross at that point. It seemed now as if we might travel more rapidly, for, after having left the cowards two miles behind, there were no signs of the enemy, and it appeared certain all had come over from Lake George by the Shelving Rock Portage. Now we pushed on at our best pace, spending but little time in reconnoitring the ground, and before nightfall had accomplished the mission. DESERTING THE WOUNDED. 63 Major Rogers's force was camped in the locality we had decided they would select, and his scouts were making a circle roundabout the place, fully four miles from the main body. In this case, the major was neglecting no precautions, and it would have been better had he continued to act with as much prudence. As a matter of course, we were given a friendly recep- tion, and, after having delivered our message, were told that Captain Dalyell was yet three miles further on. " I will send some one else to warn him. You have travelled far enough to make up this day's work," he said, kindly ; and both Amos and I were willing to rest, for there was no honour to be gained in pushing ahead to the captain, since all danger was now apparently passed. I had feared Major Rogers might hesitate to turn back in response to Israel Putnam's request ; but he was not such a fool, and word was given that the command would set out as soon after daybreak as Captain Dalyell's force arrived. Having been served with a bountiful supply of deer meat, we two laid ourselves down to make up for the sleep we had lost on the night previous, and there was no thought in my mind but that we would rejoin Israel Putnam, in company with this force, until Amos whis- pered, just as my eyes were closing in slumber : " Is it your purpose to stay here until this detachment sets out ? " "Why should we not ?" I asked, in surprise. " Then you count on marching with them ?" 64 HV/E.V ISRAEL PUTXAM SERVED THE KIXG. 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