Peter, on his arrival, proceeded to the headquarters of Colonel Rhalle,
who was in command--an officer of great bravery and energy. One of his
officers was able to speak English, and to him Peter reported the
departure of the force from Bordentown, of which Colonel Rhalle was
already aware, and the weakness of the American force at Mount Holly.
He stated, also, his own belief that it was merely a feint to draw off
Colonel Donop, and that preparatory to an attack on Trenton. The
officer treated the information lightly, and pointing to the mass of
ice floating down the river asked whether it would be possible for
boats to cross.
"When the river freezes," he said, "there may be some chance of attack.
Till then we are absolutely safe."
Peter, shaking his head, rejoined his companions and told them of the
manner in which his advice had been received.
"But it would be difficult to cross the river," Harold said. "Look at
the masses of ice on the water."
"It would be difficult," the hunter admitted, "but not by no manner of
means impossible. Determined men could do it. Waal, I've done my duty
and can do no more. Ef the night passes off quietly we'll cross again
before daybreak and go right into the Yankee camp and see what they're
up to. Now, Harold, you can take it easy till nightfall; there's naught
to be learned till then, and as we shall be on foot all night ye may as
well sleep to-day."
Returning to a spot on the banks of the river at a short distance from
the town, they made a fire, on which Jake cooked some steaks of
venison they had procured.
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