After a long sail the shore of North Carolina was reached, and the hearts of the Americans beat high with hope.
The captain was almost amiable, but it was with a fiendish glee caused by the belief that the American prisoners were to be hanged on American soil.
"I want to see," he said, to Allen, "American trees bearing the best fruit, and plenty of it."
"I am sure I re-echo your wish," answered Allen, whereupon the captain laughed and declared that the fruit he meant was dead Americans hanging from the boughs.
For several weeks the Solebay stayed at Cape Fear, and the prisoners were treated with great harshness.
One morning their hopes were again raised by an order for all to appear on deck.
"Stand in line!" ordered the officer.
The men did so and the roll was called.
"Colonel Allen, step forward!"
It was the first time he had been addressed by his title, and all thought it meant an exchange at least.