Here they could rise from such an uncomfortable position, and stooping they came within fifty yards of the first fire, where they saw very clearly the men who were not asleep, and who yet moved about.

Most of them were not yet sunburned, and Harry judged at once that they had come from the mills and workshops of New York or New England.

As far as he could see they had no pickets, and he inferred their belief that no enemy was nearer than Jackson's army, at least thirty miles away.

Perhaps the little band of horsemen who had knocked at Mrs.Pomeroy's door had brought them the information.
They lay there nearly an hour, not thinking of the danger, but consumed with impatience.

Officers passed near them talking, but they could catch only scraps, not enough for their purpose.