Billy Green Saves the Day by Ben Guyatt

Colonel Harvey strolled along to survey the work. “If they come by land and sea at the same time, we’re defeated,” Vincent said.
    â€œNot if we go to them first,” Harvey said, stepping over a puddle.
    â€œThis isn’t the time for foolishness. Our efforts should be focused on defence — what little of it there’s left.”
    Harvey avoided his commander’s eyes. “If I may say so, sir, I think you’re being too pessimistic.”
    â€œI’m being realistic. Our only hope is to resist their assault.”
    â€œPerhaps you’ll change your mind when the scout parties return. Once we know where the Americans are camped, we might be able to launch a pre-emptive strike.”
    Vincent stopped and turned to him. “Assuming we find them, we can’t spare any men to fight them.”
    Harvey took a long look at the soldiers working.
    â€œI think the men would rather die attacking the enemy than defending Burlington Heights. At least we’d have the element of surprise.”
    Vincent noticed a fresh grave and some troops digging another. “Death is death. And just as honourable under either circumstance. No, we’ll stay here and defend ourselves ... and the fate of the country.” He entered his tent and closed the flap behind him.
    Harvey pondered whether to follow, took a deep breath, then entered.
    â€œI don’t remember inviting you in,” Vincent said, surprised by the intrusion.
    â€œI beg your pardon, sir, but I have to ask if there’s even the slightest possibility we can launch a surprise attack, would you at least consider it?”
    Vincent removed his jacket, settled into a chair, and studied his officer. “Do you want to die?”
    â€œOf course not, but I’m willing to give my life to defend the Crown.”
    Vincent withdrew his sword and used it to dig at the mud stuck to his boots. “You’re a good solider, maybe too good. Don’t let your valour cloud your judgment.”
    Harvey stood at attention. “I’m waiting, sir.”
    Vincent smiled. “You really are insolent, aren’t you?”
    Harvey nodded. “Yes, sir, I am.”
    Vincent pointed a finger at his officer. “All right then. If there’s a chance, I’ll weigh it carefully, but be warned, Colonel, I want facts, not fiction. Is that understood?”
    Harvey smiled and saluted enthusiastically. “Yes, General.”
    Vincent waved him out. “Now get out of here before I change my mind.” Harvey quickly exited, and the general shook his head. “Poor fool. He doesn’t know the battle’s been lost before it’s even begun.”
    Isaac Corman ran along a sloppy path, following an old Indian trail leading into some underbrush. He stopped when he heard leaves rustling and waited before hooting like an owl. His anxious eyes searched in every direction but froze at the sound of an answering owl. “Billy?” he whispered.
    Suddenly, a hand covered Isaac’s mouth from behind as he was rapidly pulled to the ground and dragged into the bush. Isaac struggled to break free but relented when he saw it was Billy.
    â€œHow did you get away?” Billy asked, “The Yankees are everywhere.”
    â€œIt was unbelievable. When they found out I was related to General Harrison, they let me go. How is Keziah?”
    â€œScared, but she’s all right.” Billy offered him a deerskin full of water.
    After taking a long drink, Isaac shook his head. “I never actually believed this would happen. It’s the beginning of the end for the country.”
    Billy tucked away the deerskin. “Someone should go to Burlington Heights and warn the British Army.”
    Isaac studied him for a moment and then realized the implication. “No, Billy! I saw their forces at the lake. They’re shipping in supplies and probably more men. It’s an invasion. The whole town’s