The Britishers are wild with excitement, and remorselessly take aim at the fleeing provincials. They have conquered and dispersed the rebels. Colonel Smith joins Major Pitcairn, and, glorying over the easy victory, they swing their hats, hurrah for King George, and march on towards Concord.
XVII.
BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA.
Roger Stanley, asleep in the old farmhouse on the banks of Concord River, was aroused from slumber by his mother.
“Roger! Roger! the meetinghouse bell is ringing!” she shouted up the stairs to him.
With a bound he was on his feet, raised the window and heard the sweet-toned bell. He understood its meaning, that the redcoats were coming. Quickly putting on his clothes, he seized the powder-horn and bullet-pouch which his father carried at Louisburg.
“You must eat something, Roger, before you go,” said his mother.
A moment later and his breakfast was on the table, bread and butter, a slice of cold beef, a mug of cider.