d more terrible and blasting from its very infrequency.
And this was the man upon whom was laid the burden of the war of the
Revolution, and to whom, under God, were due the mighty results of that
epoch-making contest. Seldom, if ever, do we see men of such rare
qualities that when they leave their appointed places no other can be
found to fill them; but if such a one ever did live, this was he.

CHAPTER XXI

_The Boatswain Tells the Story_

One or two other men were writing at a table, and another stalwart
officer of rank was sitting by the fire reading. None of the four men
coming into the room had seen the general before, except Talbot. As
the door opened, his excellency glanced up inquiringly, and,
recognizing the first figure, stepped forward quickly, extending his
hand, all the other officers rising and drawing near at the same time.

"What, Talbot! I trust you bring good news, sir?"

"I do, sir," said the young officer, saluting.

"The transport?" said the general, in great anxiety.

"Captured, sir."

"Her lading?"

"Two thousand muskets, twenty field-pieces, powder, shot, intrenching
tools, other munitions of war; ten thousand suits of winter clothes,
blankets, and shoes; and four officers and fifty soldiers; all bound
for Quebec, where the British army is assembling."

"Now Almighty God be praised!" exclaimed the general, with deep
feeling. "From whence do you come now?"

"From Philadelphia, sir."

"Ah! You thought best to take your prize there instead of Boston. It
was a risk, was it not? But now that you are there, it is better for
us here. Who are your companions, sir? Pray present them to me."

"Lieutenant Seymour, sir, of the navy, who brought in the prize."

"Sir, I congratulate you. I am glad to see you."

"And this is Philip Wilton, a midshipman. I think you know him,
general."

"Certainly I do; the son of my old friend the commissioner, Colonel
Wilton of Virginia, now unhappily a prisoner. You are very welcome, my
boy. And who is this other man, Talbot?"

"William Bentley, sir, bosun of the Ranger, at your honor's service,"
answered the seaman himself.

"Well, my man," said the general, smiling, "if the Ranger has many like
you in her crew, she must show a formidable lot of men. I am glad to
see you all. These are my staff, gentlemen, the members of my family,
to whom I present you. General Greene, General Knox; and these two
boys here are Captain Alexander