"The King has sent all the ships in England, I should judge," remarked George.
"And filled some of them with German soldiers at so much per head," said Carter.
As the two talked on a slight breeze sprang up. Two large vessels which were lying furthest up the bay blossomed out into clouds of canvas. Slowly they came up to their cables and tripped them neatly: flags flew, signals were made throughout the fleet.
"THEY'RE GOING TO MOVE!" EXCLAIMED CARTER, TAKING THE GLASS.
"By the Lord Harry, they're going to move!" exclaimed Carter, taking the glass from George's hands. "Those two boats are the Rose and Phœnix that sailed up the river in June, and only came down night before last."
"That's so," said George. "They let go their guns as they came down the river, and bowled over a few chimneys, I remember."
"We cannot prevent them going up the Hudson if it comes on to blow, and if they once reach the point of yonder island God help the city," responded Carter.
The lads had started on a run down the slope; the forces in New York must be informed of what was going on at all hazard.
If they had paused before they left the crest of the hill, however, they would have seen that the slight breeze had died away as quickly as it had arisen, that the great ships had dropped back with the tide, and that they had once more let go their anchors, and taken in their sails. The danger had passed by. But a heavy gray mist was creeping up from the south.