November 1761
“We’re iced in!” Lundey, the mate, swore. “We should have left Quebec a week ago. Now the ice will hold us until the spring thaw.”
Captain Stringer looked forward, where the St Lawrence River eased away into the cold distance. “Get the hands forward with poles,” he ordered, “and use these damned Rangers as well. It’s time they earned their keep.”
“Come on, men!” Lieutenant Kennedy hurried forward, with Sergeant Hugh MacKim and the other Rangers only a few steps behind.
The Boston-registered brig, Martha, had left Quebec only the previous day, hoping to reach the open sea before the river completely froze over. Now, as the ice closed in, Lundey was not alone in believing they had lingered too long in the British-garrisoned city.
Martha,“Can we break through?” Private Dick
