Young Beman turned away quickly as if angry with this new friend, and observing the movement Corporal ’Lige asked Isaac:
“What’s the trouble with yon skinflint? Haven’t been quarrelin’, eh?”
“I think I have seen enough of a lad who must be paid for all he does at such a time,” and having said this Isaac went in search of his supper, not minded to make further explanations.
Weary though he was, the lad was soon forced to aid the corporal in getting the boats’ crews together, and after it was fully dark those selected to act as oarsmen were marched to the water’s edge, that they might be in readiness when their services were required.
After this there was nothing to be done save await the coming of the expected craft.
The men were not allowed to build fires lest the lights should be seen by those in the fort, and so cautious was the leader that even loud talking was forbidden, therefore 153 the men could do little else than spend the time in sleeping, a fact by no means disagreeable to the majority after their march of the day.
On the shore of the lake the oarsmen followed the example of their comrades in the woods, until all save the corporal and Isaac were wrapped in the unconsciousness of slumber.
The old soldier, considering himself responsible for the safety of the fleet, would neither lie down nor allow his young lieutenant to do so, and they paced to and fro on the sand keeping sharp lookout for the expected boats, but without avail.
Midnight came, and yet no word from either of the two detachments which had been sent in search of means of transportation.
Colonel Allen and Colonel Arnold, growing 154 impatient because of the long delay, came to the shore, and Corporal ’Lige stood stiff as the barrel of his own musket when he saluted.