They stood at a point just above Trenton where they had the stream in view, but were well out of sight of the guards.
“There are no boats to be had,” said young Prentiss.
“I tested the ice last night, almost opposite this point,” said Nat. “It was strong enough to bear a man’s weight then; and it’s been freezing hard ever since.”
“Perhaps it would not bear two even now,” suggested George.
“I had thought of that. We had better go one at a time. Then should an accident happen to one, the other would still have a chance to get the information to camp in safety.”
For a moment George was silent; then with a hand upon his friend’s shoulder, he said:
“Do you mind venturing first? I have excellent reasons for asking this of you.”
“As well first as last.”
“If you get across without harm, as I hope you will, I mean to remain here for a little longer,” spoke George.
“Remain!” there was astonishment in the other’s voice. “But why? We have learned all we can hope to learn.”