Jim DeFelice - The iroh chain

There would be time for that in the future. Now he had to ride north as quickly as possible to meet Schuyler.

And then get some sleep. Even his iron constitution needed rest eventually.

They reached a turn in the Post Road and the river suddenly came into sight, illuminated by the light pink of early dawn. From this distance, the Hudson was a peaceful lake, quiet in her majesty, silent and sure. The iron chain rocked against her restraints many miles to the south, protecting the upper reaches of the valley, and the nation.

The British would undoubtedly try again. Jake had seen that there were many vulnerabilities to the local defenses, and even such an accomplished soldier as Old Put might not be able to fix them. Yet this morning he was filled with an optimism that the country would endure no matter what the British did, and that the Revolution would succeed. So beautiful a river could flow only for free men.

"I don't think I've eaten a decent meal since Prisco's,'' declared Jake as the road turned away from the water."Perhaps you can lead us to a good place for breakfast."

"There is a housewife who makes the most excellent cakes you have ever tasted but a short distance away," said van Clynne. "She will be happy to feed us, as long as you compliment her on her garden as soon as you meet her. She will talk nonstop," added the squire, "but it is the price we must pay for her excellent food."

"She's Dutch?"

"Could there be a question?" answered van Clynne, kicking his horse to pick up the pace.