"And you got the arms?"

"Faith, we got all we went for! The arms were divided among the people.

There was a drum and a fife also found with them, and some one made us

very excellent music to step to. As we returned up Broadway, the

congregation were just coming out of Trinity. Upon my word, I think we

frightened them a little."

"Where were the English soldiers?"

"Indeed, they were shut up in barracks. Some of their officers were in

church, others waiting for orders from the governor or mayor. 'Tis to be

found out where the governor might be; the mayor was frightened beyond

everything, and not capable of giving an order. Had my uncle Gordon been

still in command here, he had not been so patient."

"And for you that would have been a hard case."

"Upon my word, I would not have fought my old comrades. I am glad, then,

that they are in Quebec. Our swords will scarce reach so far."

"And where went you with the arms?"

"To a room in John Street. There they were stacked, the names of the men

enrolled, and a guard placed over them. Bram is on the night patrol, by

his own request. As for me, I have the honour of assisting New York in

her first act of rebellion! and, if the military superstition be a true

one, 'A Sunday fight is a lucky fight.'--And now, mother, we will have

some dinner: 'The soldier loves his mess.'"

Every one was watching him with admiration. Never in his uniform had he

appeared so like a soldier as he did at that hour in his citizen coat

and breeches of wine-coloured velvet, his black silk stockings and

gold-buckled shoes. His spirits were infectious: Bram had already come

into thorough sympathy with him, and grown almost gay in his company;

Joris felt his heart beat to the joy and hope in his young comrades.

All alike had recognized that the fight was inevitable, and that it

would be well done if it were soon done.

But events cannot be driven by wishes: many things had to be settled

before a movement forward could be made. Joris had his store to let, and

the stock and good-will to dispose of. Horses and accoutrements must be

bought, uniforms made; and every day this charge increased: for, as soon

as Van Heemskirk's intention to go to the front was known, a large

number of young men from the best Dutch families were eager to enlist

under him.




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