One of his first acts was to erect new fortifications. Then he requisitioned private dwellings and some of the meeting-houses for the use of his men.
CHAPTER XII
A BLUSTERING SERGEANT-MAJOR
“Donald, someone’s at the door. Hurry and answer it.” Aunt Martha’s voice sounded from her nephew’s room up-stairs, which she was sweeping.
Knock, knock—knock!
“He’s pretty anxious to make us hear,” said Don as he crossed the floor of the living-room.
Knock!
Don opened the door and looked full into the face of a red-haired, red-coated British sergeant-major, who at once inserted his foot and pushed his way inside the room. “Who lives here besides yourself, young sire?” he demanded.
Don stared at him and thought he had never seen such an ugly-looking fellow. He was big and broad and flabby, and the only thing about him that was not red, it seemed, were his eyes, which were a pale, washed-out blue.
“Don’t stand there and stare!” the sergeant-major bellowed. “Tell me who lives here.”
“My Aunt Martha Hollis and I and my uncle David, who’s with the Continental army just at present,” replied Don.