Liberty cleared his throat and said, “You haven’t paid for the trip yet.”
“Excuse me?” I asked.
Liberty sighed. “I said, you haven’t paid for your trip yet. The price for a round-trip ticket to 1775 is two large carrots. Or one large carrot and a juicy apple. Or a cup of oats. Or—”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” I cut in. I reached into Liberty’s leather saddlebag and pulled out one large carrot and one fat apple. “Will this be enough?”
“Yes!” Liberty smiled and said, “And on behalf of all of us at Liberty’s Getaway Time-Travel Adventures, we hope you enjoy your trip!”
I rolled my eyes and fed Liberty his “payment.”
Freedom, Cam, and Tommy were all smiles as they watched from the side of the room.
“Here we go,” said Liberty as he swallowed his last bite. “Rush, rush, rushing to history!”
From out of nowhere, the time portal swirled in front of us as the sparkling door grew large enough for Liberty to jump through. He rushed forward and we leapt into the middle of the portal.
Suddenly we found ourselves on a hill near a large wild apple tree, overlooking a small valley. It was early springtime but the trees had not fully unpacked their leaves, perhaps fearful of the coming events. It was cold but birds were chirping. A smooth river ran deep and wide through the center of the valley far below. I was sure it was the Concord River. A wooden bridge—the famous Old North Bridge—spanned the watery depths. Homesteads could be seen on either side of the river but the main town of Concord was clearly to the east, below and behind us. Smoke could be seen coming from the town but I couldn’t tell what was on fire.
However, the most alarming sight was the Redcoats. Their bright red jackets, white pants, and black boots made the hairs on my arms stand up. The sound of those boots marching across the wooden planks of the bridge matched the rhythm of my own anxious heartbeat. The Redcoats marched until they reached the opposite side from where we stood. Suddenly a British officer shouted the command to stop. The order echoed off the hillside and it sounded like the officer was standing right next to me. About ninety Redcoats halted in unison. Some were still on the bridge but most were nervously scanning the hillsides.
A loud crunching noise came from Liberty’s mouth. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole valley had heard it.
“Liberty, shhhhhhhh. This is serious,” I whispered firmly.
“What, what? I’m just eating an apple. Very quietly, I might add. This is getting intense. It’s like watching a 3-D movie, I always munch on something when I’m at the movies. I mean, I’d rather have popcorn but these apples will have to do. I wonder what those guys on the west hill over there are going to do?”
“What other guys?” I asked, right before I noticed a group of men at the western hilltop facing the Redcoats. They looked eastward toward the bridge. There were only about forty, no, wait, sixty, or should I say one hundred. These had to be Patriots. I quickly snapped a picture of the growing army of Patriot soldiers who were coming up and over the hill and moving toward the Redcoats.
“Seriously, these are really great seats,” said Liberty, still munching. “Standing behind this tall hedge and under this apple tree is the perfect hideout. And it’s like we’re on the fifty-yard line at a football game.”
I rolled my eyes and resumed counting the growing militia. There had to be at least four hundred men. I assumed they had heard the bells and had come from all over Massachusetts. And they were still coming. They looked like the farmers in Lexington wearing mismatched clothing. Many wore brown clothing that blended into the hills. But the number of men wasn’t the biggest surprise. They actually looked strategic in the way they worked together. Small groups walked slowly and methodically toward the Old North Bridge. Muskets and pistols ready. Fearless and determined.
Upon seeing the Americans approach, the Redcoats realized they were in a horrible position to fight. They quickly tried to scramble back to the eastern side of the bridge. At the same time the Americans looked like they were starting a formation, spreading out on higher ground. Certainly the Americans had the upper hand. The Redcoats stood on and behind the wooden bridge that curved up and over the dark and ominous river.
Liberty grabbed another apple from the tree and asked, “What are they doing?”
“They are coming to fight the British soldiers on the bridge,” I said. “They are angry about what happened in Lexington and are coming to protect Concord. They are here to fight for freedom.”
“I hope you’re getting pictures for Cam and his team,” Liberty said. “I think there’s something here he could learn from. Might be useful for his next dodgeball game.”
Of course, Liberty was right! I quickly took out my phone and started taking pictures.
“Look at the Redcoats, they are squished onto the bridge,” Liberty said. “That’s not going to be very effective. How are they going to fight like that?”
One Patriot screamed, “Avenge Lexington, my boys! Avenge old Lexington!” His words echoed through the valley, and suddenly the hundreds of Patriots began charging toward the bridge.
Even though Liberty and I were well hidden I instinctively ducked down just to be sure.
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunched Liberty, trying to be quiet, but failing.
I ignored Liberty and picked out the best pictures I took with my camera. Even though Cam wouldn’t see this until we got back to modern day I sent him a text with a note:
Patriots are on Punkatasset Hill, about 300 yards from Redcoats on Old North Bridge. Note: Americans spread out, British close together on and behind bridge.
“This is getting scary,” Liberty said nervously. “I think the British are going to start shooting!”
The Patriots steadfastly moved forward. I heard one Patriot yell, “I’m not afraid to go, and I haven’t a man who’s afraid to go!” His words echoed through the morning air.
Suddenly a shot rang out from the bridge. Instantly, two Patriots fell.
“Fire, for God’s sake, fellow soldiers, fire!” shouted an American raising his weapon toward the British on the bridge.
They were now about fifty yards apart. Shots rang out from both sides. The Concord River churned and rolled under the bridge, darkly reflecting the turmoil above. Smoke from the muskets was everywhere.
The Patriots continued to push toward the Old North Bridge.
“I think the Patriots are winning,” Liberty said excitedly.
Sure enough, the British started to retreat, and the Americans began to cheer as they crossed the bridge. Against all odds, the American underdogs were in fact winning the Battle of Concord.
“Liberty, I think we have the truth about what exactly happened here,” I whispered. “Let’s jump back to the future.”
With a deep breath and a small chomp he said, “Rush, rush, rushing from history.”
As the time portal opened again, I felt like I was the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland racing toward the rabbit hole because we were late, late, late for a very important date! We jumped through and the sensation of falling was abruptly interrupted as we landed inside my classroom at Manchester Middle School.
* * *
Freedom, Cam, and Tommy were still standing at the side of the room.
“At least you didn’t come back with any bullet holes,” Tommy said, smiling.
“Ha, ha,” I said, dismounting from the saddle. “Pull up some desks and have a seat. We have lots to talk about.”
For the next forty-five minutes we discussed all the events that Liberty and I witnessed at the Battle of Concord. Liberty wrote down critical facts on the chalkboard.
Do you remember if the Patriots won at the Battle of Concord? Yes, they did! They crossed the Old North Bridge to defeat the King’s soldiers and showed they were willing to keep fighting for freedom.
Concord—Patriots—did not retreat—not scared, courage—spread out—British stuck on Old North Bridge—British retreat—American
victory—Underdogs.
“Got it. I know how we are going to take on Billy’s team next round,” Cam said.
“Find seven hundred kids to take them on?” Tommy asked sarcastically.
“No, not that. I think we need a change of scenery,” Cam said.
“What do you mean?” Freedom asked.
“Remember when we were in Lexington, the British were really organized and looked like a team. Just like Billy’s team. The Redcoats all wore the same uniforms. They had a system of fighting that worked best in a large space like Lexington Green. The Patriots weren’t ready for that, so when the Redcoats fired, they had no chance,” Cam said.
“So we are like the Patriots,” Tommy asked, “and Billy’s team is like the British?”
I looked on quietly, impressed with their learning and strategizing.
“Yup, exactly,” Cam said and walked up to the blackboard. “Look at this. Here is Billy’s team, and here we are. Last game, we got destroyed ’cause Billy had a stronger team that was more organized. They spread out and tagged us all at once.” He drew a circle on the board. “Now look. If we put them all in a small space we have a chance, plus we might be able to get a few more people, but we don’t have much time.”
“It’s still going to be tough,” Tommy said.
“You’re right, Tommy, it’s all about planning ahead,” Cam said. “That’s where you come in, Tommy. You will be my Paul Revere—ready to spread the alarm and gather as many people as you can to fight with us.”
“Got it,” Tommy said, flexing an arm.
“Freedom, I need your skills, too,” Cam said. “You will be my Dr. Warren, the superplanner—and we need an awesome plan.”
“Got it!” Freedom said, standing up. She started scratching down some notes furiously.
“All I know is that we aren’t going to make the same mistake twice,” Cam said. “We may be the underdogs but this time we are going to beat that bully.”
“I like the way you’re thinking,” said Tommy.
“Yeah, I do, too,” said Freedom.
“Me, too,” said Liberty. “I do like dodgeball Cam-I-Am, but I will not eat green eggs and ham! Seriously, blech! First of all, what’s up with the green food coloring? And second, eggs come from a chicken and ham comes from a pig and they’re both farm animals, which means we’re practically cousins. I am not eating my cousins! Sheesh.”
I tried to ignore Liberty’s commentary and said, “Sounds like you guys have the start of a good plan, but you are missing one vital component.”
“What’s that?” Tommy asked.
“You need an upper hand, something that turns the battle for the underdog, some special secret sauce,” I said.
“I think I may have the secret sauce,” Freedom said, looking at her notepad full of lines and scribbles.
“What is it?” Tommy asked.
Freedom cupped her hand over her mouth and whispered it to Tommy. His eyes went wide with doubt and a little bit of worry.
“I don’t think that will work,” Tommy said reluctantly.
“What is it?” Cam asked.
Tommy whispered in Cam’s ear.
Cam looked doubtful as well. “I don’t know, seems like a long shot.”
“True,” Freedom said. “But if it did work don’t you think it could be a game changer?”
“Probably,” Cam said. “Unless it backfires.”
“Yeah, it could totally backfire,” Tommy said.
“I still think it’s worth a try,” Freedom said.
“Is someone going to tell me what your secret strategy is?” I asked curiously.
“It’s probably better if you don’t know,” Freedom said.
Both boys nodded in agreement.
“Does this strategy of yours involve Liberty?” I asked suspiciously. “Because if it does I really better know.”
“Oh! Oh! Am I part of a top-secret mission?” Liberty asked, jumping up and down like he had to go to the bathroom.
“Actually, no, you’re not,” Freedom said.
Both boys shook their heads, confirming Freedom’s reply. Liberty frowned.
I eyed them all suspiciously. “Very well,” I said, smiling. “I trust you know what you’re doing.” And I really hoped they did.
Chapter 7
I had butterflies in my stomach as I entered the military base gym. The second-round dodgeball game would start in a few minutes. Earlier that day, Cam had sent a message to Billy and insisted that the game be changed to the indoor court.
Even better! texted Billy. I can’t wait to see you bounce off the hardwood floors.
Indeed, the floors felt especially hard as I walked along the sidelines to join Cam, Tommy, and Freedom. Four other student recruits that I didn’t know stood with them.
“Hey, I made us some uniforms,” Freedom said, handing out blue T-shirts to the team. On the front of the shirt were the letters E, A, G, L, E, S.
“Thank you Freedom, these look awesome! Eagles is a cool name,” Cam said.
“I didn’t have a lot of time so they’re not the best but at least we have something that says we’re a team. Mr. Revere paid for the T-shirts and supplies,” said Freedom.
“Wow! Thanks, Mr. Revere!” cheered Cam and Tommy and the other kids.
“It was the least I could do,” I said, blushing. “I figured if John Hancock could invest in the early American war effort, then I could invest in you.” I winked.
“Mahahaha! Those are the dorkiest shirts ever,” Billy said, pacing across his side of the court. “Ha! We’ll use them to mop the floor after we win! You’ll be wearing new LOSER shirts by then anyway!”
“I think you’d better worry about your own team, Billy,” Cam said, walking straight up to the centerline and looking up at him.
Billy glared down at Cam and pushed him backward. “You have a big mouth for being such a small fry!”
Cam was unbelievably brave. The protective teacher in me wanted to run over and break it up before the game even started, but I restrained myself.
Suddenly, I realized that Ed was missing. I searched the bleachers on either side of the court. There were even more spectators than last time waiting for the game to start but no sign of Ed. Where could he be?
“Hey, Eagles, come over here, gather around,” Cam said, waving his team to the sideline. “Huddle in; you, too, Mr. Revere.” As we all formed a tight circle Cam said, “I want to thank all of you for coming. I know some of you might be nervous, but we can’t let Billy see that. I mean we may look like underdogs, but we’re really the unstoppable Eagles!” he said.
Cam was maturing before my eyes. He took to the leadership role like Liberty to a carrot.
“We got this,” he said confidently. “Let’s go win!”
The other kids looked at Cam with wide eyes, hanging on every word he said. They all put their hands in the middle, lifted them, and yelled, “Go Eagles!!”
I stood close to the sidelines. There were a lot of kids in the bleachers, cheering. Some were pointing at my outfit, probably thinking I was the official mascot. I wished I was wearing a T-shirt that said FEAR THE REVERE!
Freedom asked, “Have you seen Ed? I’m getting nervous. We need everyone, to make our plan work.”
“He’s in the bathroom,” Tommy said. “He’s getting dressed.”
“What could possibly take him so long?” Freedom complained, wringing her hands. “He just has to put on the T-shirt I made for him!”
A bright green flash caught the corner of my eye. I looked over across the gym court to see Ed on the opposite side. What’s he wearing? I thought to myself. I didn’t want to laugh but he looked absolutely hysterical. Thank goodness Liberty was at the horse spa or he would be on the floor right now rolling on his back with laughter.
Ed came bounding over to our sideline, very much like Little Liberty! He was wearing shiny green kneepads and large elbow pads. He wore a bicycle helmet strapped to his head and welding glasses over his eyes.
His sneakers squeaked with every step.
“Ha! Who’s the green blob?” Billy doubled over laughing. “Oh, I get it. You tried to recruit a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. But all you got was a teenage mutant Brussels sprout.” His team buckled over laughing and pointing at Ed.
Cam very admirably didn’t skip a beat and waved Ed into the huddle.
“Don’t touch me. These green sweats are armed and ready,” Ed called out.
“If you say so,” said Tommy, confused.
“Nice helmet,” said Cam, winking. “Seriously, I’m really glad you made it, Ed. It’s going to take all we’ve got to defeat these bullies. Does everyone know what to do?”
“I do,” said Ed with enough enthusiasm for the entire team. “I studied all night!”
Tommy rolled his eyes and was about to pat Ed on the shoulder, but Ed slipped away just in time. “I told you, no touchy! Unless you want to stick with me for the rest of the game.”
Cam started giving out instructions. “Okay, Freedom, I need you to take the back left position. You four spread out. Ed take the center, and Tommy, I need you to roam behind Ed like a quarterback, and don’t get hit! As soon as the whistle blows we’ll take our positions. Hey, Freedom, what about the secret plan? Is that still going to happen?”
Freedom turned from Cam to Tommy and asked, “Did you do your part?”
Tommy sighed and nodded. “Yes, but I hope I don’t regret it.”
Cam looked at his watch. “We’re almost out of time. Without Freedom’s plan our chances of—”
Cam was interrupted by the sound of music coming from somewhere outside the gym. It got louder as the gym doors opened and the lyrics blasted, This girl is on fire. A girl wearing a red cheerleading outfit walked in like she owned the place. She flipped her blond ponytail from side to side as she made her way into the room. Her bright red fingernails matched her outfit perfectly. As she walked across the floor, my jaw dropped when I realized who it was. Elizabeth! She was followed by her perfectly peppy cheerleading squad.
In a matter of seconds, Elizabeth walked over to Cam and his friends. She looked at Tommy and said, “Hi, Thomas, I hope you know how much I enjoyed receiving your phone call. You know there aren’t many things that would get me away from my summer beach house and onto this, this . . .” She scrunched her nose. “What do you call it?”
Rush Revere and the American Revolution Page 10
