boat on the river,... within reach of the enemy's
fire, was obliged to return; she had only three
men in her, who had loitered behind to plunder."

That opportune appearance of the fog must
have seemed, to more than one devout heart, as
helpful as some of the remarkable interpositions of
Providence described in the old Biblical stories.

Hale's company, with its many seamen, rendered
effective service in this passage from Long Island.
Every student of history, and especially of military
history, can recall certain decisive hours in momentous
battles when some utterly unforeseen event
has entirely changed the face of affairs, and given
the victory into unexpected hands; thus, a
mistake in the understanding of a phrase used by
his captors made Andre a prisoner, and saved the
capture of West Point by the English; while
Waterloo, Gettysburg, and many another decisive
battle has hinged on seeming chance,--chance
truly, if there is no power working for righteousness
among the affairs of nations.

The position of the American army, however,
now appeared more perilous than ever. Two war
vessels had moved up the East River and were
followed by others. Active movements among the
British troops were reported by all the scouts, but
the enemy's designs could not be penetrated.

[[70]]

p069 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p070w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p071

v?