The door was burst open, and a man dripping with rain came in; he carried a lantern, whose light had been extinguished.
"Oh! but it's a frightful night for a body to be out," he said. "Three persons were killed by the thunder-bolts on Broadway. But have ye heard the cannon firing?"
"You're crazy," said some one. "Cannon on such a night as this! But, hearkee!"
Three distinct reports sounded in quick succession.
"That's no thunder," said the landlord.
"The signal guns!" exclaimed Lieutenant Hamilton.
Again the door was forced open, and, accompanied by a blast of wind and rain, a soldier plunged into the room. His hat was gone, and his loose hair was plastered down his face.
"A spy has arrived through the storm from Staten Island!" he shouted. "The British are landing in force at Gravesend. Officers are ordered to their commands at once."