When opposite the next settlement, they called to a lad who was fishing in the river, and he, coming across in a boat, ferried them over. There they passed the night, and on the following morning hastened on down the valley.
As they advanced Joe referred to the change in the commanders of the Continental forces, asking:
“Will you report to this General Gates, Ira, the same as you did to General Schuyler?”
“Certainly,” he answered. “He is now in General Schuyler’s place, and should be treated precisely as was our former leader.”
“But Late and I don’t know him,” he objected.
“Neither do I,” was the reply. “But it will be easy to fix all that. You will find General Schuyler, even though he has been relieved of command, in the camp, doing all he can for the Cause which is dearer to him than life.”
“It isn’t many men who would do that,” Late interrupted. “Do you remember how it was with Colonel Stark? When he thought he had been misused, he surrendered his commission and went back to his farm in New Hampshire.”
“But he responded to the call from Bennington,” Ira replied, “and, recognizing his mistake, will now go back to the regular army.”
“But our general don’t make such mistakes,” cried Joe in tones of admiration. “He’s large enough to overlook any personal slight, for the good of the Cause. Some day the people of the colonies will know the truth, and count him one of their heroes.”
“Thank you!” Ira said with glistening eyes. “May we all live to see your prophecy come true!”