Boom! Molly McCauley ducked reflexively, even knowing that the redcoats' cannons couldn't possibly strike her here, so many yards from the front line. Fumbling more from surprise than fear she nearly dropped her water pitcher, which was once again full and heavy, 'Molly Pitcher', as it had so many times before this, a frail voice called out from darkness. Heeding the call, Molly hoisted her pitcher once more and strove bravely into the smoke of battle to bring what comfort she could to the tired and wounded men of the American Revolution. The cannoneer who had called her name was unconscious when Molly reached him and his cannon lay silent amidst the British barrage. Never one to shirk her duty or shrink from a challenge Molly took up his post loading the heavy balls and ramming the wadding home before lighting the fuse and sending the heavy shot towards the enemy - BOOM! All the while she kept pouring drips of water down the over-tired cannoneer's throat until he finally came round and was able to take over his post from his most unusual replacement.
