"Thayer is anticipating part of my programme, boys." These words were sufficient, for in a trice the stick and pan were thrown as far as Sam's strong arms could pitch them, while Sam, first having turned a summersault, threw himself on the soft grass, thus joining the other expectant listeners.
"What would you think of a battle, fellows?"
"Fine!" And the very suggestion threw the little group in such disorder and hubbub that Alec laughingly but decidedly called "Order," adding, "The time is rapidly passing, and if we are to go to war we must prepare. You are sure you will not fail me, boys?"
"Certain sure." And once again quiet was restored.
"My plan is very simple. It is to divide ourselves into two armies. One army will represent the British, the other the United States. Make believe that Congress has commanded us to fortify the farm that belongs to my father. You know the location?"
"Rather."
"Suppose we name the place Lexington. You each know that it was at Lexington, Massachusetts, that the first skirmish in the War of American Independence was fought.
"Well, the United States army must occupy the farm, and the British force must attack it; and, of course, the United States army must win.
"The British will simply respect the action of the Revolutionary period at the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis—they will run away, but not, like the boy in the story-book, 'come to fight another day.' In order to make it really jolly, though, we should enlist fifty boys, and more if possible, and, to make it a fair fight, divide them evenly.
"You'll have to be General-in-chief of the whole, Alec," interrupted one of the listeners.