"Powder and shot all stowed," said Vine. "Everything's ready now. As soon as the rest of the Windsor's cargo's out, they're going to tow her up the river, out o' harm's way. Father says we're to be all on board, now. Come on!"
"Oh, Guert!" said his mother, for she had followed him, and her arms were around his neck. "I can't say a word to keep you back! Be as brave as Nathan Hale was! God keep you from all harm! Do your duty! Good-by!"
It was an awful struggle for poor Guert, but he would not let himself cry before Vine Avery and the sailors who were with him. All he could do, therefore, was to hug his mother and kiss her. His last good-by went into her ear and down into her heart in a low, hoarse whisper.
Away marched the last squad of the crew of the Noank, and Mrs. Avery stood at the gate and watched them until they were hidden from her eyes beyond the turn of the road.
CHAPTER IV.
THE NEWS FROM TRENTON.
"What is it, Sam?"
"I guess, Lyme, we'd better hold on a bit. The fort lookout sends word that a British cruiser's in sight, off the harbor."
Sam Prentice was in a rowboat, just reaching the side of the Noank, and his commander was leaning over the rail.