he others being only
transports. What chance would all of them have against a single frigate?
No, no, Fitz Hamilton, Cornwallis knows only too well that he is in a
tight place; but he is not such a fool as to make so desperate a
venture. Here he has taken his stand, and here he must remain until
having beaten off our people, or made up his mind to surrender."

I wish it might be possible for me to paint a picture of the British
encampment surrounded by our brave Americans, as Pierre Laurens and I
saw it that afternoon when the shades of night were gathering. Points of
lights, betokening camp-fires, or torches set up in the entrenchments
that the troops might be able to strengthen their defences, twinkled in
every direction. Then was a zone of darkness lying between the enemy's
works and our forces, after which came again a circle of twinkling
lights that seemed to shine out in a most friendly fashion, as if
telling us lads to be of good cheer for kindly aid was nigh at hand.

Now and then would come a great flash of fire, followed by a heavy
booming noise, as one army or the other sent a shot across the lines to
show that all were on the alert, and again we could hear in this
direction or that, the sharp crackle of musketry which caused us to
start forward toward the sound believing a battle had begun. During all
the time we were besieged in the village of York did it appear to me
certain the two armies would come together immediately in a hand-to-hand
grapple, and many times did I believe the end was nigh at hand,
although never were both forces in their entirety engaged in conflict.

Not until night had fully come did Pierre and I cease to gaze around us,
at the same time exulting and despairing, allowing our eyes to rest
longest on the encampment of our friends, and then it was that the
little French lad brought me to a realization of the task before us, by
saying laughingly:

"We ventured out to forage, not to watch the two armies, and I am of the
opinion that we had best get about our work, else will Saul and Uncle
'Rasmus believe we have been taken prisoners. That cousin of yours is
none too patient under the best of circumstances, and I can fancy how he
is raving at this moment because of being forced to stay in the loft
guarding the prisoners, while the old negro remains at the window
watching for our return."

It was one thing to say we would forage, and quite another to do it.
There were provisions in abu