"But was there no fighting, Papa?" Gracie asked.
"There was fighting," the Captain answered. "While the British were at the mischief I have been telling you of, the American party was rapidly increasing by the coming in of minute-men from the neighbouring towns. They formed into line as fast as they came. There were nearly four hundred of them.
"From the place where they were forming they could see the fire the British had started in the centre of the town, and of course the sight greatly increased their excitement.
"Joseph Hosmer, the adjutant, made a stirring appeal, after a brief consultation with prominent citizens and members of the Committee of Safety, who were present, and ready to take part in repelling the British.
"It was agreed to dislodge them from the North Bridge. Captain Davis saying, 'I haven't a man that's afraid to go.'
"They wheeled into marching order, and joined by other companies, pushed forward to the bridge, under the command of Major John Buttrick, of Concord.
"The British guard were on the west side of the river, but crossed to the east on seeing the Americans approaching, and began taking up the planks of the bridge.
"Major Buttrick called to them to stop, and urged his men on to try to save the bridge.
"The British formed for action as the Americans drew near, and some of the regulars fired, killing Captain Davis, Abner Hosmer, and wounding another man.
"Then Buttrick shouted, 'Fire fellow soldiers! for God's sake fire!' and instantly they gave the British a full volley.
"In a few minutes the British retreated, and the Americans took possession of the bridge.
"Their volley had killed three British soldiers, two of whom were left on the ground. The Americans afterward buried them, and we shall find their graves only a few feet from the monument."
But other passengers had entered the car, and the train was now in motion.
"There, that must do for the present," the Captain said; "the story will have to be finished after we leave the train."
Their first halt was at Lexington where they viewed with much interest the ground where the skirmish took place, the monument commemorating the devotion of those who fell, and everything to be found that had any connection with the events which have made the place famous in the annals of our country.