Woods Runner

The preceding informational passage, “Civilian Deaths,” briefly introduces the incomplete record-keeping of civilian casualties during war.

Samuel and Annie come upon signposts marking a junction—travel south 41 miles to go to Philadelphia, or travel east 38 miles to get to New York. Remembering that the average walking person can cover 15 miles in a day, this is a three-day journey either way. Samuel tells Annie that he should first take her to Philadelphia where she’ll be safe, but she refuses. He agrees that they should go to New York together instead of separating. She is dirty and ragged, and her feet were as tough as leather; Samuel feels incredible pride at having acquired this girl as his sister.

They turn towards New York and are flushed out of the woods by two dogs that accompany a loud wagon. They emerge to meet Abner, an old man with a freight wagon. The dogs alert them to the approach of redcoats, so Abner tells them to get into the back of the wagon and pretend to be his grandchildren. The ruse works, and the British pass them by. Afterwards, the three establish that they’re all in opposition to the British. Abner says they’d better tell him their story.