1776 dawned wintery and cold. On the twenty-forth of January, Jacob and Alice were cheerfully watching the gate. Thus far, no one of interest had come through. Then, there were shouts and yells from down the street. People scattered as a dark horse and rider plowed through. The guards at the gate tried to close the gate, but a troop of British soldiers were entering. They tried to form ranks to stop the approaching horse, but the horse took no notice of their lowered muskets. They threw themselves to the side as the horse plowed on through.
Smiling, the two Sumpters waved. Jacob turned to his sister as the horse thundered out the gate. “It would appear the Shadow Fox has abandoned sneaking out for a more direct tactic.”
Alice grinned. “Maybe he’s in a hurry.”
Robyn was not in a hurry. In fact, she was just feeling lazy. She wasn’t really in the mood to masquerade as a Redcoat. The trip wasn’t really that important. Jack hadn’t visited in a while, and she wanted to check up on him, to see if he had anything else to report. In truth, she was just getting a bit restless.
Midnight’s hooves clattered into the Continental Army’s camp. The horse nickered and tossed her head in greeting.
Jack appeared from around a tent. “Good afternoon, little one. What brings you here?”
Robyn glanced around. The camp was lively as men bustled around. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Jack nodded towards the edge of the camp. “Henry Knox is back with those cannons.”
Robyn smiled. She had sent an anonymous letter to Knox with the suggestion. In truth, it had been Ben’s idea, but he had been reluctant to suggest it to General Washington. Robyn had taken the matter in her own hands and done it for him.
“Why the clever smile?”
She kicked at a trough to break the ice. Gratefully, Midnight drank.
“No reason.”
“Uh-huh. So why are you here?”
“Just curious if you had found anything out.”
Jack sighed. “Nothing more to report. What about you?”
The Shadow Fox sighed and shook her head. “Nothing.” She looked around. “So is Washington going to try to chase the Redcoats out of Boston with these guns?”
Jack shrugged. “That’s the story. I’m not really sure how, though. The British have Bunker Hill. “
Robyn chewed her lip thoughtfully. “They haven’t fortified Dorchester Heights. The Artillery could be set up there.”
“An excellent proposal, my young friend.”
Robyn turned and saluted. “General Washington!”
He nodded. “In fact, I was thinking of that myself.” He tilted his head at her. “How is your little escapade going?”
The Shadow Fox sighed and clasped her hands behind her back. “Not too well, I afraid. We simply do not have enough information to go on.”
He nodded. “I understand that. Amazing how someone like that can outwit an entire army.” He paused then chuckled. “Though, I expect you have experience with that, my friend.”
Robyn grinned. “I do, sir, I do.”
The general nodded to the edge of the camp. “So, you approve of my plan to fortify Dorchester Heights, do you?”
“Indeed, sir.”
He sighed. “The problem is, getting past my officers. They would rather sit outside of Boston and watch the British scurry around inside. My only worry is that General Howe will make a move before we do.”
Robyn smiled. “I’m well acquainted with Howe, sir, and between you and me, I think he’s content to watch you watch him.”
General Washington chuckled. “If only you weren’t so young, I’d appoint you to be an officer, and then you agree with me during discussions!”
The cloaked one sighed. “But alas, you must deal with overly-cautious officers. Perhaps they are better than over-confident ones.”
“True, but too much caution does not win wars anymore than no caution does.” He turned as an officer called him. Sighing, he nodded to Robyn and Jack. “It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope you see improvements in your escapade.”
“Thank you, sir. And I hope your officers become a little more daring.”
He laughed.
Robyn tilted her head at Jack. “You are awfully quiet, Mr. Richards.”
“Just thinking.”
“About what?”
“The cannons, little one. Will it really be enough to chase away the British, or will they just get it back?”
Robyn shrugged. “Neither if Washington’s men don’t become more daring.”
Jack chuckled and patted her on the head. “Ah, little one. What do you know of war? You’re not even fighting in it.”
She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “If I’m not fighting in this war, then why are the Redcoats so keen on hanging me?”
~~~~~
SIGH. Jack is annoying!
Quick post before I jet off to a fun five days with one of my friends!
See ya'll next week!
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