Pages 42 through 50 Summary

2:43

Hessian soldiers are referred to as the "butchers of Long Island." They are mercenaries who fight and kill for money. The men fear the Hessians and are alarmed that there are thirty of them. Jonathan and the others take aim at the advancing soldiers. The Hessian officer on horseback spots the Americans and brings his troops to a halt. One of the men asks the Corporal about the whereabouts of the Snydertown troops, presumably their backup. "Is there something we don't know?" The Corporal does not respond.

Jonathan keeps his eye on the Hessian officer who is flashing his long saber in the dusky light. He is amazed that the Hessians will be the first enemies he will be facing as a soldier. The Corporal tells the men that he will first order the front line to fire. That line will...