"What think you, my Lord Howe?" asked the one addressed as Cornwallis.
"If it storms, land twenty thousand troops. The rebels will not come to terms—deluded fools! Let's have no more temporizing." This was said in low firm tones that showed the speaker was accustomed to authority.
"Land it is," replied Cornwallis. "I doubt if they have a sentry posted. Phœbus Apollo! Look at the front of that black cloud. Hurry, sirs, or we will not make the ships before it be upon us."
Three gentlemen in silk stockings—for George could see their well-shaped legs before he caught a glimpse of anything else—walked down the pier. The sailors lounging about sprang up to attention; a soldier who had been playing leap-frog with a companion froze stiff with his hand to his sweltering forehead.
"Out oars! Give way!" and two big barges left the float, Cornwallis in one, and the two other distinguished figures in the second.
"Lord Howe and his brother, the General, that's who you are," whispered George. "And you are going to land twenty thousand troops on Long Island, eh? Oh, if Washington only knew! and I am going to let him into the secret, gentlemen, if the good Lord will prosper me."
He lay back again and proved for darkness, for his plans were now well formed.
A few yards up the beach lay a ship's dingy—the smallest boat swung at her side or stern quarters. Stoutly built and bluff in the bows, it was made for weather. Extending over the gunwale was a pair of new oars. The little boat had been hauled up on the sands to be calked and painted. The job had been finished early in the morning. All day had George cast covetous eyes at her.
Now as if in answer to his prayer, it had grown dark suddenly, as if the night had sprung forward some five hours. There was great to do out on the water.
Signals climbed up and down the halyards. Drums tapped, and on shore trumpets answered one another, it grew darker and darker, and, be joyful! the tide was coming in strong, rippling against the pier-head and creeping up the beach. All of the boats had been called back to the fleet; but the dingy was left, and George's hopes rose. All his chances lay in her.