He paused and his bold gaze went toward the hill nearest Boston, which bulked upward in a dense swell through the night.
“The nearer the enemy, the quicker we come to hard gripes with him,” declared the rough and ready Putnam.
The other officers were for the most part silent; those who did speak were non-committal. It was plain to be seen that they had no desire to go contrary to General Ward’s orders unless some one else assumed the responsibility.
“If we had a map of the section,” spoke Prescott, “I think I could show you all the weak points in our orders.”
In a moment Ezra Prentiss stood forward and saluted. Prescott signed to him to speak.
“Mr. Scarlett has such a map,” he said. “I saw it only to-day.”
Instantly the drawing was demanded.
GILBERT SCARLETT’S MAP, AS REVISED BY HIM AFTER THE BATTLE
Scarlett stepped within the circle, coolly took it from his pocket, and proceeded to explain its design. The officers listened with great attention and examined the map closely.