Revolutionary War on Wednesday

here?” George Washington asked. The commander-in-chief sounded furious.
    â€œWe made a mistake,” Jack said. “We—we didn’t mean to come.”
    George Washington turned to the rowers.
    â€œWho let these children sneak aboard?” he asked in a stern voice.
    The men looked at Jack and Annie with surprise.
    â€œIt’s not their fault,” Annie said quickly. “They were working too hard to notice us.”
    Just then, the boat banged against the ice. The ice cracked. The boat moved on, then bumped against the shore.
    Two soldiers jumped out and pulled the boat up on the shore.
    George Washington looked at Jack and Annie.
    â€œThis boat is returning to get more men,” he said. “When it does, you two will get out and stay on the other shore.”
    â€œYes, sir,” said Jack. He felt very embarrassed.
    George Washington then gave orders to the rowers.
    â€œMake sure these children do
not
board any other boats when you return,” he said.
    The general stepped onto the riverbank.
    The wind started to pick up. The snow fell harder. As the crew unloaded the boat, neither Jack nor Annie spoke.
    Jack was miserable. They had caused trouble for George Washington—just when the general was trying to make America an independent nation.
    Jack desperately wished he and Annie had gone home earlier.
    They watched more and more boats land on the riverbank. As the soldiers unloaded their weapons and horses, a freezing rain began. Now rain, snow, and sleet fell together.
    Jack heard George Washington call to one of his men.
    â€œThis storm is getting worse, Major!” the general said.
    â€œYes, sir!” the major said.
    â€œI think we’re in for a blizzard,” said Washington.
    â€œYes, sir! Our mission may be hopeless, sir,” said the major. “Should we call it off?”
    â€œNo, you shouldn’t,” Jack whispered. “You’re going to win.”
    â€œShould we turn back, sir?” the major said.
    â€œNo, no!” said Annie.
    She stood up. The boat rocked.
    â€œDon’t turn back, George Washington, sir!” she shouted. “You have to march on, sir! You have to attack the Hessians, sir!”
    â€œShh!” Jack tried to pull Annie back down. “We’re not supposed to know about their secret mission!”
    â€œHow does she know our plans, Major?” George Washington asked.
    â€œListen to us, sir!” said Annie. “You’re going to win!” She pulled away from Jack and jumped out of the boat.
    â€œAnnie!” Jack leaped onto the riverbank. He scrambled after Annie up the steep, icy slope.
    â€œYou have to lead your men, General Washington, sir!” Annie said. “The Hessians will be surprised! They think no army will be marching on a night like this!”
    â€œHow do you know all this?” the major shouted above the storm. “How do you know what the Hessians are doing and thinking?”
    â€œI—I—” For once, Annie seemed at a loss for words.
    â€œShe just guessed!” said Jack.
    Just then, the bearded soldier who had yelled at Jack earlier stepped forward.

    â€œI saw this boy earlier,” he said. “He was writing things down.”
    â€œNo, I was just … ” Now Jack was at a loss for words.
    â€œSeize them!” the major shouted. “They’re spies!”

Jack grabbed Annie’s hand.
    â€œWe’re
not
spies!” he said.
    He whirled around to face George Washington.
    â€œGeneral Washington, remember those words you said to your men?” Jack said. “You should believe them yourself, sir!”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” George Washington asked.
    Jack yanked the captain’s letter from his bag.

    By the light of the lamp, he read the words the captain had copied for his children:
    â€œÂ â€˜These are the times that try men’s souls … ,’ ” Jack read. “ ‘But he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.… The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.’ ”
    Jack looked at George Washington.
    â€œEven if things look impossible, you should keep going, sir,” he said. “The harder things seem, the greater the triumph, right? That’s what you read to your men. You have to keep going for
their
sake.”
    â€œYes! And you have to keep going for
our
sake,” said