Movement to the north caught his eye and hope soared momentarily, only to plummet when he saw it was an osprey perched atop a dead stump, flexing its wings in preparation for the morning’s fishing expedition.

Scott returned, his features drawn with concern. “We can’t wait any longer, sir. We must leave now. Clinton’s arrival could be imminent.”

Johnson watched the piquets making their way to the boats. Bringing up the rear were the scouts, Boone and Cavett. They touched their caps in salute as they loped past.

“Sir,” Scott urged.

With a last despairing glance towards the trees, Johnson muttered, “Very well, Thomas. I hear you.”

He turned and was taken aback to find the scouts standing behind him.

“Beggin’ your pardon, Colonel,” Boone said, tugging at his beard with a forefinger and thumb that were speckled with powder burns.

“What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

Boone traded glances with his fellow scout then said, “We know about the missing boy, Colonel, and that you’re not going to wait on Corporal Stryker.”

Johnson frowned. “I’ve delayed our departure for as long as possible, Mr Boone.”

“Understood, Colonel. Only, Nate and me figured that, if you gave the word, we’d hang back and wait for them, maybe with that gunboat there.” He jutted his chin in the direction of the water. “Stryker’s a good man. We reckon he can’t be that far behind us.”

“Neither can the militia,” said Johnson. “You were the one who gave the warning that they were gaining on us. As I recall, you also informed us of their strength. Governor Clinton’s force is vastly superior to our own. With the exception of the Hooper boy, we got what we came for – and without a single man down, so far. A confrontation now would be entirely wasteful.”

“Wasn’t aiming for a confrontation, Colonel. We’d just like to give Stryker a chance.”

“Lieutenant Wyatt, too, if he and his men are close,” Cavett added. “We know they’re out there. And you said it yourself, Colonel: it’s a long walk home.”

“Indeed I did,” Johnson acknowledged, then shook his head. “But I regret, gentlemen, that I must decline your offer. Corporal Stryker and Lieutenant Wyatt are both men of initiative and excellent soldiers. They’re aware that they will have to make their own way home if they fail to make the rendezvous. I made sure every man was apprised of that before we left St Johns,” Johnson added, in a gentle rebuke.

Boone looked as if he was about to demur, but then, thinking better of it, he gave a subdued nod. “Yes, sir. Very good, Colonel. We didn’t want to go without askin’.”

“There is no harm in asking, Mr Boone. You have shown commendable spirit in doing so. It also says a great deal about your loyalty to your comrades, and I thank you for that.”