ng bounds, "and if you are a
sample of my Lord Howe's men, I am thinking our General will have but a
short tussle. Go!"

The man retraced his steps, sulkily. He had been foraging on his own
account, and had unearthed bigger game than he could manage.

Ruth watched the man until he passed from sight. As she turned about she
faced Andy sitting among the bushes. She jumped, then laughed nervously.

"How did you get your cane?" she asked.

"I was not six feet away." Andy's voice was strangely calm. "I hope you
know, Ruth," he faltered, 'that had things turned out differently, I
would have been with you. You know that?"

"Yes, Andy." A flush came to the pale face. "I think I feared you would
come more than anything else. But I do not trust that fellow. He will
come back. I know he was suspicious. Choose another way--next time!"

"Aye, and I'll stop up this trail. Good-by, Ruth. Hurry, I will wait
until you are safe, and this passage made harmless."

For a few days longer Andy remained near home, not caring to run the
risk of seeking the longer path of which he knew, while the Britisher's
suspicions might still be alert. Once or twice he had met the fellow on
the public highway, and he feared to arouse any further cause for
watchfulness. He had discovered, also, that the man had gone back to the
spot where he had encountered Ruth, but Andy laughed, when he recalled
how cunningly he had hidden the trail. But now the boy could wait no
longer, he must try to get near the lines and listen.

Taking the longer way, he left his crutch hidden inside a cave-like
opening. He would never again trust the outside. Then in true Indian
fashion he crept along through the rocky passage. He reached the other
end and for an hour or more waited patiently, but only the passing of a
lonely sentinel rewarded him, and he guessed that no news would come
that way.

He dared not emerge from his shelter, for the day was too bright and
clear, the sentinel would surely spy him, and better no news than to
give away the secret of the passage. Disappointedly he crept back, and
at the other end put his hand cautiously forth to grasp his crutch. Then
he became instantly aware that he was discovered, for his hand was
grasped in a firm, unyielding clutch.

Andy's heart stood still. He had no doubt but that Ruth's annoyer had
dogged his steps and had captured him. But there was little of the
coward about Andy; he would face the worst. He pushed through