Aunt Martha shook her head in uncertainty, but she finally decided to do as the boys had advised.
The next day Crean Brush began his work of searching for hidden supplies. Stores were broken into, and goods of all sorts were carried off in violation of strict orders that Howe had issued. Lawless bands of soldiers, sailors, marines and Tories went from house to house and took what pleased them. And while they were doing that, the army was transporting its equipment to the water-front to be shipped aboard the vessels.
All day Don and his aunt remained in the house, anxiously expecting every minute to hear the sound of Crean Brush’s men outside. Jud did not put in an appearance until after dark, and then he remained only for a few moments to say that a searching party had come to his house but had found nothing. “If they had,” he added, “Ma and I would have been as surprised as they, I guess.”
Don and his aunt laughed. Before Jud went away he got Don to one side. “Say, Don,” he whispered, “you’ve got powder in the cellar along with that other stuff, haven’t you?”
“Yes, a little,” Don replied.
“Well,” said Jud, “if I were you I’d move it somewhere else.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Well, at the rate Crean Brush and his gangs are going they’re pretty sure to reach your house sooner or later; and if they search it and find that powder—well, I don’t know what they won’t do.”
“I guess they’ll do enough even if they just find the cloth and stuff,” said Don. “So it seems to me I might as well leave it all together.”
“No, Don; do as I tell you!” Jud’s voice was low and excited.