e o'clock all prisoners in the jail were sent
for, to be exchanged. Preston came with the order from General Howe
and news of a truce.

"This means yer army is lightin' out," Solomon said to him.

"The city will be evacuated," was Preston's answer.

"Could I send a message to Gin'ral Hare's house?"

"The General and his brigade and family sailed for another port at
eight. If you wish, I'll take your message."

Solomon delivered to Preston a letter written by Jack to Margaret. It
told of his capture and imprisonment.

"Better than I, you will know if there is good ground for these dark
suspicions which have come to us," he wrote. "As well as I, you will
know what a trial I underwent last evening. That I had the strength to
hold my peace, I am glad, knowing that you are the happier to-day
because of it."

The third of March had come. The sun was shining. The wind was in the
south. They were not strong enough to walk, so Preston had brought
horses for them to ride. There were long patches of snow on the
Dorchester Heights. A little beyond they met the brigade of Putnam.
It was moving toward the city and had stopped for its noon mess. The
odor of fresh beef and onions was in the air.

"Cat's blood an' gunpowder!" said Solomon. "Tie me to a tree."

"What for?" Preston asked.

"I'll kill myself eatin'," the scout declared. "I'm so got durn hungry
I kin't be trusted."

"I guess we'll have to put the brakes on each other," Jack remarked.

"An' it'll be steep goin'," said Solomon.

Washington rode up to the camp with a squad of cavalry while they were
eating. He had a kind word for every liberated man. To Jack he said:

"I am glad to address you as Colonel Irons. You have suffered much,
but it will be a comfort for you to know that the information you
brought enabled me to hasten the departure of the British."

Turning to Solomon, he added:

"Colonel Binkus, I am indebted to you for faithful, effective and
valiant service. You shall have a medal."

"Gin'ral Washington, we're a-goin' to lick 'em," said Solomon. "We're
a-goin' to break their necks."

"Colonel, you are very confident," the General answered with a smile.

"You'll see," Solomon continued. "God A'mighty is sick o' tyrants.
They're doomed."

"Let us hope so," said the Commander-in-Chief. "But let us not forget
the words of Poor Richard: 'God helps those who help themselves.'"

CHAPTER XVI

JACK AND SOLOMON MEET THE