Revolutionary War on Wednesday

with Annie.
    They’d landed in trees near an icy river. The sky was gray and heavy with clouds.
    â€œIt’s almost day—or almost night. I can’t tell,” said Annie.
    â€œYeah. I hope it’s almost day,” said Jack.
    â€œI wonder where we’ll find
something to send?
” said Annie.
    Jack shrugged.
    â€œFirst we have to find the Revolutionary War,” he said.
    He opened their research book. By the gray light, he read:
    Over 200 years ago, the United States was made up of thirteen colonies ruled by Britain. From 1775 until 1782, American “patriots” fought for independence from Britain. This was called the Revolutionary War.
    Jack took out his notebook. He wrote:

    Jack turned the page. There was a picture of soldiers in red uniforms. He read aloud:
    During the Revolutionary War, British soldiers wore red uniforms. For this reason, they were called “redcoats.”
    Jack wrote in his notebook:

    â€œWow, snow,” said Annie.
    Jack looked up from his writing. Annie was holding her hand out the window. A few snowflakes blew into the tree house.
    â€œNot much yet,” said Jack. “But we better find the special writing soon.”
    â€œWell, stop reading and come on,” said Annie. She buttoned up her coat and started down the ladder.
    â€œOkay, okay,” said Jack. He packed the research book and his notebook into his bag. Then he followed Annie.
    When they stepped onto the ground, there were more snow flurries. The sky was growing darker.
    â€œI’m afraid it’s almost night instead of day,” said Jack.
    â€œYeah,” said Annie, looking around. “Hey, look—people.”
    She pointed up the river. In the misty distance was a campfire. Several men sat around the fire. They all held muskets.
    â€œMaybe they can help us,” said Annie. She started away. But Jack grabbed her.
    â€œWait, I think they’re soldiers,” he said. “They have muskets. Remember the muskets from the Civil War? The guns that the soldiers carried?”
    â€œOh, yeah,” said Annie.
    â€œThey might be redcoats,” said Jack. “Let’s sneak closer and get a better look at their uniforms.”
    â€œQuick,” said Annie, “before it’s too dark to see.”

Annie lifted up her long dress and ran to a tree close to the river. Jack held on to his hat and ran after her.
    They peeked out from behind the tree. More snow flurries swirled in the twilight.
    â€œRedcoats?” whispered Annie.
    â€œCan’t tell,” said Jack.
    In the flickering firelight, the men didn’t seem to be wearing uniforms at all. They wore ragged pants and coats. Some even had their feet wrapped in tattered cloth.
    â€œCome on,” Annie said.
    She ran to a tree closer to the river.
    Jack followed.
    â€œThis is as close as we should get,” he whispered.
    â€œBut we still can’t tell what they’re wearing,” said Annie.
    She crept forward and hid behind a scraggly bush.
    â€œNo closer!” Jack whispered.
    But Annie took off again. She crouched behind a rock. She was only about ten feet from the campfire.
    Oh, brother, she’s way too close now
, Jack thought.
    But he took a deep breath and ran to the rock.
    When he joined Annie, she looked at him and grinned.
    â€œThis is like hide-and-seek,” she whispered.
    â€œIt’s not a game, Annie,” Jack whispered back. “It’s
war
. Be serious.”
    â€œI
am
serious!” said Annie, her voice rising.
    â€œShh!” said Jack.
    But it was too late. One of the men stood up and looked around.

    â€œWhat’s the matter, Captain?” another asked.
    â€œI heard something,” said the captain. He held up his musket.
    Jack stopped breathing.
    â€œWho’s there?” the captain shouted.
    Jack looked at Annie. She shrugged.
    â€œWe’re caught,” she whispered.
    â€œWho’s there?” the captain shouted again.
    â€œJust two kids,” Annie answered in a small voice.
    â€œCome out and show yourselves!” the captain said.
    Jack and Annie stood up from behind the rock. They both held up their hands.
    â€œWe come in peace,” said Annie.
    In the shadowy twilight, the captain moved toward them.
    â€œWho are you?” he asked.
    â€œWe’re Jack and Annie,” said Annie.
    â€œWhy were you spying on us?” he asked.
    â€œWe weren’t spying,” said