“How many can be taken in the boats you have here?” Colonel Arnold asked.
“Somewhere about eighty, sir, and if it so be you give the word we can ferry the whole party across in three trips.”
“That would never do,” Colonel Arnold replied decidedly. “We must go in a body or give up all hope of surprising the garrison.”
In this Colonel Allen was agreed, and the two officers remained near at hand, now pacing to and fro, and again listening intently for those sounds which would tell of the hoped-for arrival, until it lacked no more than two hours of daybreak, when they were joined by Master Phelps and Colonel Easton, 155 the latter saying sufficiently loud for Isaac to distinguish the words:
“Unless such a move is made as may be possible with the means at our disposal, the plan of capturing the fort has come to naught, for it isn’t reasonable to suppose our party can remain in this vicinity throughout to-morrow without some intimation being given the commandant by those who live in the vicinity.”
What was evidently a conversation between the officers followed; but it was conducted in so low a tone that Isaac could not hear the words, and he remained near at hand expecting to receive the order to launch the boats, until Colonel Easton called him by name.
“You know where is situated the home of the lad who guided Master Phelps into the fort?”
“Oh, yes, sir; it is but a short distance from here.”
“Go you there, and bring the boy.”
“I question if he will come, sir, unless I make explanation of why he is wanted, or promise that he shall be paid for thus disturbing himself. He seems to have no thought save of money.”