It had been previously [page break] 749 251 been determined that their safest route would be to cross Williams' Bridge notwithstanding the guard constantly kept there. Ferris and Knapp well acquainted with the neighbouring grounds crossed the country towards Williams Bridge with the utmost expedition passing most of the way through open fields and meeting with no obstruction, but taking care to approach nobody within speaking distance. One person upon whom they came unexpectedly inquired if they were going to water the Colonel's horses and they answered in the affirmative. When they began to descend the hill at Williams's they beheld the first of the danger that was in store for them. A party of Refugees returning from above and overtaken [page break] 252 750 by the shower had pulled up here, dismounted and taken the saddles off their horses. With great presence of mind our three adventurers put the steeds that carried them to their utmost speed, shouting aloud and looking behind them: "Here they are, boys! Come on, quickly -- We'll take'em them all!" The sentinel and dragoons were panic struck with this sudden attack. The former discharged his musket, and all ran for shelter to the woods and bushes on the banks of the Bronx; but the dragoons soon discovering the trick practiced upon them, mounted again and pursued the runaways, who soon perceived another peril to be encountered. Two Refugees who belonged to the party they had just passed but who had lagged behind [page break] 253 751 were now approaching in the middle of the road. When our three adventurers had come within hearing distance they cried out as loudly as possible: "Clear the road! -- a race -- a race!" The dragoons they approached wheeled right and left and allowed them to pass, but having recognized the horses pulled up and momentarily after a few minutes hesitation, turned about and pursued.