As they approached the shore the challenge from the English sentinel came over the water:
"Who comes there?"
"Friends," Peter replied.
"Give the password."
"How on arth am I to give the password," Peter shouted back, "when we've been three days away from the camp?"
"If you approach without the password I fire," the sentinel said.
"I tell ye," Peter shouted, "we're scouts with news for the general."
"I can't help who you are," the sentinel said. "I have got my orders."
"Pass the word along for an officer," Harold shouted. "We have important news."
The sentry called to the one next him, and so the word was passed along the line. In a few minutes an officer appeared on the shore, and, after a short parley, the party were allowed to land, and Peter and Harold were at once conducted to the headquarters of General Burgoyne.