“Thomas knew Henry Knox from his time in Boston and has corresponded with him.”
“Knox? I don’t know him.”
Nathaniel nodded. “He’s the officer over artillery. He has pleaded with Thomas to secure any and all weapons, and as much powder and lead as we can.”
“So you will switch your attentions to only gathering and supplying the army with more ammunition?”
The Watson’s home came into view and Nathaniel picked up his pace. “Nay, not switch them. We shall do both.”
Nathaniel knocked twice and strode in without so much as a second’s pause. “Thomas?”
Eliza called down from the stairs. “He is just outside, Nathaniel.”
“Thank you, Eliza,” he answered as the back door opened and Thomas entered, a load of wood in his arms.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” He deposited the load by the fire and brushed his hands. “You have told him?”
Nathaniel nodded. “Aye.”
“I’ve alerted Joseph Wythe,” Thomas said. “I expect him here any minute.”
William went to the fire and stared at the orange flames. Did these men know what opposition awaited? His forehead cramped. They were not fools, not ignorant of the challenge that lay ahead. But the British out-gunned and out-manned them at ratios hard to comprehend. He glanced over his shoulder. Thomas and Nathaniel spoke together in quiet tones. ’Twas possible they were blissfully unaware of the consequences. He gave a quick shake of his head. Nay. Never were two men more astute, more acutely in tune with the realities of life.
A quick knock tapped through the room. “There he is now.” Thomas opened the door. “Joseph.”
Joseph entered and doffed his hat. “Gentlemen.”
Nathaniel spoke first. “William encountered a lobsterback today.”
“You did?” Both Joseph and Thomas answered together.
William stepped back and crossed his arms. “’Twas unpleasant but we managed. I gave the boy the package and he escaped, but I fear his passage to Plymouth will be hampered.”
“How long ago was this?”
“Not three hours.”
Joseph neared, resting his hands atop the upholstered chair. “’Tis becoming too dangerous?”
“Never too dangerous.” William shook his head. “We simply need to out-smart them. And that shouldn’t be at all difficult.”
The door slammed open and Kitty rushed in. “Nathaniel!”
She whirled aside and two men entered, the limp body of a boy in their arms. William’s blood went still in his veins. The red hair and freckles were unmistakable. He rushed forward but Nathaniel was there before him.
“Put him down, let me see him.”
“Help me, help me!” The boy’s broken voice ripped William’s heart.
He rushed to the boy’s side as the men lowered him to the floor. “You’ll be fine, son.”
The boy’s eyes found William and his quivering hands reached out. “I did what you said—ahhh!” He cried out in pain as Nathaniel ripped open his blood-soaked coat.
Nathaniel’s features went hard. “Get me a cloth. Now!”
Eliza rushed into the room. “What’s happened?”
No one answered.