Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/351

Rh American leader, and with tears and entreaties besought that the half-wit might be spared. At the suggestion of Major Brooks, Arnold finally quietly arranged with the mother of the boy that Han Yost's brother should be retained and Han Yost be sent to spread the word among St. Leger's redcoats and Indians that a great force of patriots was advancing to the relief of Fort Stanwix. If Han Yost failed, then his brother was to suffer the penalty that had been determined upon for him. The proposal was eagerly accepted, and, with the scheme known only to a few of the American officers, Han Yost "escaped" from the guard- house, though his clothing was riddled with bullets in the attempt, and acting upon the stern command of Benedict Arnold at once started toward the British camps.

By this time Barry St. Leger had steadily drawn nearer the hardly beset little fort, and his lines were within a hundred and fifty yards of its walls. The defenders were as desperate and determined as ever, but even to the sturdy young colonel in command it seemed as if the end was at hand unless aid should speedily arrive from the south. He was aware that men were coming from the army of Gates, but the supreme question was,