“We’ll have plinty av toime to do thot, an’ thin get to our destination before the ridcoats get there,” said Tim.
So they set out, and presently reached the home of the Santons. The family was still up, and when they saw Miller, free and uninjured, they were delighted. When told that the two patriots, Tim Murphy and Fritz Schmockenburg, had rescued the teacher and driven the Tories away, after wounding three of them, the Santons shook hands with the patriot soldiers and complimented them on their good work.
Then Miller explained about the affair at the patriot settlement, how the patriots were on the island in the swamp, how the redcoats had followed them there, and that the sound of firing had come from that direction, so it was likely that a fight was taking place between the settlers and the redcoats.
“And we are going to the point where the path joins the mainland, so as to be there when the British soldiers return, with the hope that we may be able to learn how the affair came out,” said Miller in conclusion.
“I would go with you, but I think that I had better stay here, for fear those Tories, angry by the treatment these men gave them, might come here to get revenge on me,” said Mr. Santon.
“I would advise that you fasten the doors,” said Miller. “Though the rascals may not bother you.”
“Av they do come, ye foire two or three shots, an’ we’ll get here as quick as possible,” said Tim.
“Yah, ve vill come und shoots der Tories a few more times,” said Fritz.
“Very well, I will fire the signal shots, if the Tories put in an appearance,” said Mr. Santon.
Then the three said good-night and took their departure, promising to return after the redcoats came back out of the swamp and tell the Santons what had taken place on the island.
When the three reached a point near where the path stretched from, the mainland, they found all quiet, and settled down securely hidden to await the return of the enemy. The firing had ceased, and so the fight was either suspended or had ended.
The three were eager to learn whether the patriots had held the redcoats at bay and driven them back, or not, and hoped that such had been the case.
They sat there, talking in low tones, and keeping a sharp lookout toward the interior of the swamp, and presently they caught sight of a light bobbing about in the swamp. The redcoats were returning.