He did this, and the float moved on, and the pride of his party was saved.
Knox of the artillery had kept a bookstore in Boston. It was like the New Corner Bookstore before the famous Old Corner Bookstore. When the war broke out he was attached to the artillery. There was a great need of powder, and he had a scent for it. He found it, he hid it; he was the “powder-monkey” of the great campaigns.
Like Paul Revere, he caught the spirit of the minutemen. He could ride for liberty! He was riding for liberty now!
“Washington recommended you to volunteer for the artillery service,” said the Governor. “I could have no more favorable introduction to you. You do not ride for nothing, my young friend. May I ask what brings you here? Your horse foams.”
“There is no time to be lost in days like these,” said the young artilleryman. “These are days of destiny, and we must make the success of our cause sure. I went to Washington for permission to bring the siege-guns and powder from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. I have come to you for a like reason. I am sure, in my soul, of ultimate victory; I know it will come, but preparation is victory. Boston is evacuated, and to defend New York we must protect the coast of Connecticut. I have conferred with Washington, and I must have a word with you.”
“To the tavern with the horse,” said the Governor. “Into the store, or war office, as I call my place here, we will go and shut the weather-door, and I will answer ‘Go’ if any call. We will consider the matter.”
They went into the store and the door was shut.
Without sighed the cedars in the April or May winds. It was the coming of summer; the bright wings of southern birds were blooming in the air. The cedars were dressing in green, and the elms flaming in the glowing suns of the long days.