at is what we reckoned on when we were foot-free--when we had not
fettered ourselves with a Tory prisoner; but now it is all impossible."

"Why impossible?" and for the first time since we had come upon Horry
Sims did Pierre indulge in that indescribable shrug and wave of the
hands which was peculiar to him. "It would seem to me that now is the
time, if ever, when we can do somewhat for the Cause--when we can prove
that although our company of Minute Boys numbers but three, we are of
importance, and may make our names known to those who are staking their
lives for the liberty of this country."

I looked at the little lad in amazement. The idea that we three boys,
who were in as bad a hobble as lads ever could be--we three who stood,
one might almost say, face to face with death, should think of aught
else, was to me most astonishing, and yet this small fellow from New
Orleans was all afire with great plans.

Surely if our company of Minute Boys ever did anything in behalf of the
Cause, it would be wholly due to him, for I had come to consider, half
an hour since, that his was the only brain among us.

"My countryman, with an army of Americans, is near at hand, holding this
English lord here as if he was in a prison, and do you not believe that
it may be possible for us to carry to General Lafayette such information
concerning what is being done here in this town of York as would be of
importance?" Pierre asked, his eyes flashing and his cheeks flushing.

"Ay, if so be we were free to act we might, one or another of us, creep
out through the lines and get speech with our people; but hampered as we
are, how will it be possible? We are prisoners here, ourselves holding a
prisoner."

"Look upon it in that way if you please," and again Pierre shrugged his
shoulders. "I count on having one try for the horses, and, failing that,
of having speech with General Lafayette himself after we have been
through this town of York and set down in our minds all the work on
which the Britishers are now engaged."

"I hope most sincerely you may succeed, lad; but yet I doubt it sorely.
In the meanwhile, what about Uncle 'Rasmus?"

"We will go to his cabin now, explain what has happened, and then lounge
around the stable quarters of the Rangers, where you shall have a
glimpse of your beloved Silver Heels."

I believe the lad reminded me of the horse I loved so well, with the
purpose of holding my courage straight, and he could have u