142 JUSTIN MORGAN 



Next day folk went from everywhere to see the 

 "fallen star," and wise old women — who infested every 

 community at that time — said it was an ill-omen, and 

 meant victory for the British ! 



In the spring of 1814, the American Squadron lay in 

 Otter Creek, which, flowing gently toward the lake, af- 

 forded safe anchorage for the vessels. In May as they 

 were about to quit port, the enemy approached off the 

 mouth of the creek with a well-matured plan to "bottle 

 them up" by sinking two sloops filled with stones in the 

 channel. But the Americans fired and frightened them 

 off before they had played their clever trick. 



In the middle of August the "Eagle" was launched 

 and the murmur arose, "the British are gathering on the 

 frontier," 



On September third began the real excitement. Be- 

 fore cock-crow the whole place was astir. Morgan, 

 feeling the influence, was scarcely able to eat his break- 

 fast. But when he finally finished, and was led out, the 

 barracks were alive with soldiers and officers. Morgan 

 champed his bit — ready to be gone on any errand that 

 was needed. Seconds passed slowly, he was so eager to 

 be off! In a few moments Lieutenant Van Sicklen 

 sprang out of a near-by door, and gathering the reins in 

 his hands swung himself into the saddle. 



The old horse was off like a shot toward the goal, 

 wherever it was, his rider close to his neck, talking to 

 him as a lady-love might, whispering words of encour- 

 agement and affection. 



They dashed down the hill at such speed that an old 

 cow, lying comfortably in the road, chewing her morn- 

 ing cud, had the experience of acting as a hurdle. See- 

 ing she could not possibly rise in time, the young officer 

 gave Morgan the signal and over her they went ! When 



