Many soldiers came out of the huts when we arrived, and because no surprise was exhibited by any of them, we again understood that our approach was observed some time before the capture.
If there had been any hope in our minds that we would be treated mildly because of our youth, it was speedily dispelled.
The soldier in charge of the squad which conducted us, and I judged that he might be a sergeant or a corporal, seized us roughly by the arms, literally thrusting us into a small pen—I can give no other name to that place used as a prison—which was built at one end of the hut nearest the shore.
The door of logs was closed and barred behind us.
It was a regular coffin into which we had been introduced, and save for the light that filtered through the chinks of the logs, we would have been in darkness. Our prison measured, perhaps, five feet square, and we had the choice of standing in a bent position, or of throwing ourselves upon the frozen ground carpeted with snow.
“Snug quarters these!” Alec cried with an unsuccessful attempt at cheeriness. “I have always heard it said that his Majesty had no love for those who call themselves Americans, but never before knew he would vent his displeasure upon boys.”
Fearing lest he might say that which would betray somewhat of our purpose in coming out on the lake, I added gloomily:—
“If my mother could know where we are thus imprisoned it would seem less hard; but she is like to be anxious concerning us when night falls, and we have not returned.”
Then the dear lad, catching quickly at my reason for thus speaking, added:—
“It cannot be the English soldiers will deem it a crime that we were skating on the lake, and our release must soon come.”