corporal and Isaac were
wrapped in the unconsciousness of slumber.

The old soldier, considering himself responsible for the safety of the
fleet, would neither lie down nor allow his young lieutenant to do so,
and they paced to and fro on the sand keeping sharp lookout for the
expected boats, but without avail.

Midnight came, and yet no word from either of the two detachments which
had been sent in search of means of transportation.

Colonel Allen and Colonel Arnold, growing impatient because of the long
delay, came to the shore, and Corporal 'Lige stood stiff as the barrel
of his own musket when he saluted.

"How many can be taken in the boats you have here?" Colonel Arnold
asked.

"Somewhere about eighty, sir, and if it so be you give the word we can
ferry the whole party across in three trips."

"That would never do," Colonel Arnold replied decidedly. "We must go in
a body or give up all hope of surprising the garrison."

In this Colonel Allen was agreed, and the two officers remained near at
hand, now pacing to and fro, and again listening intently for those
sounds which would tell of the hoped-for arrival, until it lacked no
more than two hours of daybreak, when they were joined by Master Phelps
and Colonel Easton, the latter saying sufficiently loud for Isaac to
distinguish the words:

"Unless such a move is made as may be possible with the means at our
disposal, the plan of capturing the fort has come to naught, for it
isn't reasonable to suppose our party can remain in this vicinity
throughout to-morrow without some intimation being given the commandant
by those who live in the vicinity."

What was evidently a conversation between the officers followed; but it
was conducted in so low a tone that Isaac could not hear the words, and
he remained near at hand expecting to receive the order to launch the
boats, until Colonel Easton called him by name.

"You know where is situated the home of the lad who guided Master Phelps
into the fort?"

"Oh, yes, sir; it is but a short distance from here."

"Go you there, and bring the boy."

"I question if he will come, sir, unless I make explanation of why he is
wanted, or promise that he shall be paid for thus disturbing himself. He
seems to have no thought save of money."

"Yet, his father is with us in this matter, I am told, so far as opinion
goes."

"Yes, sir."

"Then go and rouse the lad; if he refuses to come, say to the father
that Colonel Allen