sic filled the air. Amid all this, a heavy sound of cannon, at no great distance, was distinctly heard. CHAPTER XXIII. Parley continues to tell of the American Revolution. 1. I COULD remain inactive no longer. I proceeded with three of my companions, among whom was James Jenkins, to a spot where we had secreted a small boat, in which we rowed over to Cambridge. 2. Here we landed, and proceeded to join the troops on the top of the hill. From this place we could see the British forces as they approached. 3. They landed on a point at no great dis What was seen and heard? What did Parley now do in company with James Jenkins? Where did the British troops land? tance from us. They were soon formed, and began their march up the hill. 4. Nothing could exceed the regularity with which they approached. They were all dressed in red coats and white pantaloons. It was a bright day, and their guns glittered in the sun. 5. In long, straight lines, and with a bold and steady march, they advanced toward the brea work, behind which the Americans lay. 6. Jenkins and myself were among them, side by side. It was an anxious moment. Not a word was said. We lay with our guns loaded, and our fingers placed ready to send the bullets in the face of the approaching enemy. 7. We saw them; they were so near, that In what manner did the British troops advance? How did they advance? How were the American troops situated? How did the American troops lie? we could look them in the face. Yet not a word was said. We felt their heavy tread shake the little mound behind which we lay. 8. Now the signal was given; every gun was levelled, and an instantaneous blaze ran like lightning along the breastwork. More than a thousand muskets poured their deadly shot upon the very breast of the British line. 9. The effect was astounding; many an English soldier was stretched instantly on the earth, and the remainder first wavered, and then turned, and fled from the deadly spot. 10. But the English troops soon formed, and renewed the attack. It was answered as before, and again they retired. But, at length, the Americans, having exhausted their powder and ball, were forced to retreat. When the signal was given, what happened? What was the effect? But what did the English troops soon do? What happened in consequence of the Americans having exhausted their powder and ball? by a mingled yell, that echoed through the forest. 23. I now knew that my escape was discovered. I was on the bank of the river, and surrounded by rocks. I crept between two large rocks, and lay still. I soon heard the Indians coming in the direction where I was. 24. Two or three passed so close to me that I could have touched them with my hand. At length one of them saw me, and levelled his musket at me, but hesitated to fire. 25. I took advantage of the moment, and sprung over the bank into the river. I swam across the stream, carrying the musket in one hand, and paddling with the other. 26. I had scarcely got across, when I heard two or three savages plash into the opposite side of the water. 27. I climbed up the steep bank, and, plunging into the woods, I ran with all my force. But I was stiff from my wounds, and from having been so tightly bound. 28. Of course, the swift Indians soon overtook me, and I was again reduced to captivity. I was now taken back to the place from which I had escaped, and bound, but more securely than before. CHAPTER XXVI. Parley's Adventures continued. 1. Ar length the morning came, and the chief of the tribe arrived, with several other Indians. He was an old man, but still strong and active. 2. The Indians told him of my capture and attempt to escape, and asked him what should be my fate. Having heard the story, he came near to me, and, in a stern voice, he spoke as follows: |