"
Henry here interfered, and after holding a short dialogue with the
fellow, he entered into a compact with him, that, on condition of
surrendering his arms, he might join the party. The man complied
instantly, and Birch received his gun with eagerness; nor did he lay it
upon his shoulder to renew their march, before he had carefully examined
the priming, and ascertained, to his satisfaction, that it contained a
good, dry, ball cartridge.
As soon as this engagement was completed, they commenced their journey
anew. By following the bank of the river, Birch led the way free from
observation, until they reached the point opposite to the frigate, when,
by making a signal, a boat was induced to approach. Some time was spent,
and much precaution used, before the seamen would trust themselves
ashore; but Henry having finally succeeded in making the officer who
commanded the party credit his assertions, he was able to rejoin his
companions in arms in safety. Before taking leave of Birch, the captain
handed him his purse, which was tolerably well supplied for the times;
the peddler received it, and, watching an opportunity, he conveyed it,
unnoticed by the Skinner, to a part of his dress that was ingeniously
contrived to hold such treasures.
The boat pulled from the shore, and Birch turned on his heel, drawing
his breath, like one relieved, and shot up the hills with the strides
for which he was famous.
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