“Then I shall remain up also,” replied Don.
Cousin Deborah made no protest but went to the stove and poked the fire.
The bell had ceased ringing now. The town of Concord was wide awake.
While Don and his cousin were eating a hastily prepared breakfast the Minute-Men and the militia assembled on the parade ground near the meeting-house. Meanwhile other patriots were hard at work transporting the military stores to a place of safety.
Dawn was breaking, and the mist was rising from the river when Don and his cousin finally got up from the table. “Now, Donald,” said Cousin Deborah, “I’ve been thinking all along of your Aunt Martha and blaming myself for my selfishness in having you stay here with me for so long. I’d give most anything if you were back there with her. And yet——” She paused frowning.
“Oh, I can get back all right,” said Don confidently.
“How?”
“Why, by keeping off the roads as much as possible. I know the country pretty well.”
“You’re a bright lad, Donald,” said Cousin Deborah. “You’re a bright lad; and I don’t know but what you’d better start. Your aunt needs you more than I do. But oh, Donald, you’ll be cautious!”
“I don’t think I ought to leave you here alone.”