Free Billy Green Saves the Day by Ben Guyatt

back into the safety of the forest, dodging the elms and pines and jumping over small swampy areas. Frequently, he stopped to catch his breath as his nervous eyes scanned the dense brush for signs of the enemy. He followed a ridge, descended the steep hill, then hid behind a bush where he gazed at a small house tucked amid the trees. After a couple of minutes, he ran toward the home and knocked lightly on the door.
    It opened slightly to reveal Levi holding a rifle, with his wife, Tina, and their baby, Hannah, behind him. “Thank God you’re okay.”
    â€œI tried to warn as many as I could,” Billy said as Tina handed him a cup of cold water.
    â€œWhat about Pa?” Levi asked. “And Keziah and Isaac? We have to tell them, too.”
    Billy downed the rest of the water. “It’s too risky. The Americans are everywhere.”
    â€œThey’ve got to be told,” Levi said, slinging the musket over his shoulder.
    â€œYou heard Billy,” Tina said. “There isn’t time. We should hide in one of the trapping huts until it’s safe to come out again.”
    â€œShe’s right, Levi,” Billy said. “The Yanks have captured the town and are searching all the homes. It’s only a matter of time before they get here.”
    â€œPlease, Levi,” Tina pleaded.
    Her husband hesitated for a moment before quickly gathering some provisions and tossing them into a canvas bag. Then Levi and his family hurried out the door, and Billy led them along a narrow path.
    â€œHurry!” Billy urged. “I know the fastest way.”
    Tina stumbled but managed to hold on to the baby. Levi helped her up as Billy halted at the edge of the escarpment.
    â€œThe closest hut is about twenty feet down behind some fallen trees,” Billy told them. He spotted several U.S. soldiers climbing toward them.
    One of the troops saw Billy and fired his musket. Hannah was nearly hit as the bullet lodged itself in a tree. Tina screamed and held her baby tightly as Levi pulled them away, but Billy remained.
    â€œCome on!” Levi shouted at Billy.
    â€œI’ll distract them,” Billy said, gazing over the edge. The Yankees were only yards away.
    Tina tugged at Levi’s shirt until he finally disappeared with them into the brush.
    Billy ran in a different direction, and the Americans followed him through the tangled vegetation. He hid behind some bushes and hollered an Indian war cry. The soldiers froze, terrified, then fired aimlessly in all directions.
    â€œLet’s get out of here!” one of the men cried, and they hastily retreated.
    Relieved, Billy slumped down to catch his breath and noticed the tree beside him. Inscribed into the wood was a heart he had drawn months ago with his name and Sarah’s. He ran his finger along the etching and sadly lowered his head.
    Sarah Foote softly stroked one of the horse’s faces as she watched her father lift several bags of flour into their wagon, followed by a barrel of pork. Finally, he added some blankets and muskets. “I’m a patriot, Sarah. I have to help. Besides, this is a great opportunity for us. Once this country has been captured — and there’s no doubt that it will be — I’m sure I’ll be rewarded for my assistance.” Foote climbed into the wagon’s seat. “One day you’ll thank me for this. This is something you can proudly tell your grandchildren about.”
    â€œWhen Billy becomes my husband, there will be two sides to the story,” Sarah said.
    â€œAs long as I’m alive, that’s not going to happen. Even if I were dead, marrying that traitor would shame the family name. Remember that.”
    Sarah fought back tears. “Please stay. I’m scared to be alone.”
    He cupped her chin. “I’m ... I’m sorry about this morning. I’ll never raise my hand to you again. I promise.”
    â€œWhat if something happens to