The two girls and John saw Jim slide off and push the soap-box in front of him, but they felt a sympathy for him, for it was apparent that Jack and George preferred to remain on the raft and let Jim try to land. Then they would claim the right to fire three shots to one at the Americans.
But the three Americans determined to fire as many of the soft apples at the two remaining sailors as they could land, so Jack and George were kept busy ducking and objecting, and Jim had gone half the distance between the raft and the gnarled root, where he hoped to climb up, when a blood-curdling yell was heard, which seemed to rise from his very toes.
British and Yanks alike forgot their enmity and shouted out: Whats happened, Jim?
But the little pickaninny, beating the water frantically with both hands, while continuing to howl, tried to jump up from the water.
Jack and George, too wet to mind more water, and John, with the two girls on shore, rushed for the captain to try and save him, for they firmly believed he was about to yell his last earthly breath.
Jack and George reached him first, and instantly caught his wildly waving arms to drag him up on shore. They thought that if it was his time to climb the golden stairs he was always singing about, he ought to begin on dry land.
But Jims yells grew more appalling as he was half-carried and half-dragged out of the water. Just as John and his two confederates ran up, the cause of all this frenzy was found.
A huge mud-turtle had snapped onto one of Jims brown, upcurling toes, and as resistance was brought to bear against this grip, the turtle held on the tighter.
George knew what to do, so he quickly broke its shell with a sharp stone, and Jim almost fainted with relief at his freedom. The girls tried to pet him and offer sympathies, but Jack and George took advantage of the situation.
Ha! We brought meat to shore! We landed all right! yelled Jack, dancing like a wild Indian.
Three-to-one shot, added George, rushing away to find the ammunition John had plied so thickly.
But most of the apples had been fired, and Jim whispered: Ah wan t go hum!
Ah, dont go home now! Your toe will soon feel better, and besides, mammy will ask you where the boxes went from the store-room, advised Martha.
Jim looked up at her wistfully and said: Ahll tell her dem British sunk em all!
That would be mixin American history, cause it was us Yanks that sunk the cargo, corrected Anne.
All but the fish! chuckled Jack, pointing at the turtle.
If Jim cant go home, and you girls wont let us shoot as you agreed, what shall we do, anyway? sulked George, who felt it was an unlucky day, because no more apples could be found.
Why not play the Battle of Lexington? Thats fun! suggested Martha.
We can use the raft to sail up Lake Champlain, where it can be the first warship of the American navy, added Anne.
All right come on! declared John, who was glad to postpone his being shot at by two good aims like George and Jack.
Here, or on the other side? asked George.
Well, heres a good tree for the earthworks on the hill near Boston, ventured John.
We wont need it for Lexington or Concord, but we really ought to have something that would pop like shot, or it wont seem real, replied Jack consideringly.
Cant
a call from the veranda settled all such troubles. Children, who wants to go on a picnic?
I do! I do! sounded from every throat, and the children speedily rushed over to ask questions about the proffered treat.
Everybody secure permission at home, and meet us here in half an hour. Ill look after the luncheon, so hurry up, said Mrs. Parke.
Everything else was forgotten in the bustle of preparing for the unexpected outing.
Where are we going, mother? asked Martha.
Why, aunty wishes to see Mount Vernon, so I thought it would be a fine drive there in the machine. We can have lunch in the woods along the road, and be home again before night, explained Mrs. Parke.
Before she had quite finished speaking the children were shouting and jumping with delight. Jim alone stood silently by, his face expressing his state of mind, for he had no idea that he was to be included in this joyous party.
Hey, Jim! Whats the matter? Arent you glad and excited about it? cried George, catching him by his thin little arms and whirling him around in a dizzy dance.
Whad should Ah be glad affer? mourned Jim.
Because youre going, too, if mammy will consent, said Mrs. Parke kindly.
Me! Kin Ah ride wid yo all to dat Mount Wernon? yelled Jim shrilly. Then not waiting for a reply he rushed away, and was soon out of sight around the corner of the house.
Every one laughed, and John was told to run home and get his coat and cap. In a few moments Jim was back again, talking six ways at once.
Mammy say, das fine! Is Ah goin t dress up lak fo chuch? Is we goin right off quick? Has Ah got time t have granny sew buttons on m boiled shirt an get a baff?
Yes, yes, yes! Run along and do everything you say, laughed Mrs. Parke, giving Jim a gentle push in the direction of the kitchen.