“They left it in the sleigh while they went to look at something this side of Chestnut Hill. Is it any use, sir?� added Tom anxiously.
“Any use, man! If General Washington doesn’t make you a Colonel for this there is no use in man or boy trying to serve an ungrateful country.�
Then the twins, feeling neglected, said, “We helped, too.�
“I licked the horses,� cried Bill
“Aren’t you cold, boys?�
“Yes, sir, but we never told Tom.�
“By George, but you are a plucky lad. Take this two-headed animal, Sergeant. Mount one of them, coat and all, in front of you, and be quick, or we shall have them frozen.�
“The other may have my coat,� said Tom.
“Good,� said the Captain. “You shall wear my own cloak, my lad.�
Seeing Harry’s look of fright and the ready tears, he said: “It’s all right, youngsters. Don’t you be afraid. We are all your friends and I know your father well.�