throbbed with excitement, but
went her ways calmly as if it were a common enough thing for a splendid
schoolmaster to suddenly undertake Andy's neglected education, and pay
for his lodging and board by instructing the hostess's son.

This was what was going on. Book in hand the two walked abroad quite
openly. Sometimes it would be rocks or flowers they were bent upon
understanding, at other times the intricacies of the English language
were the paths they followed. Occasionally Ruth would be asked to join
in the walks and talks, but oftener they were alone. There were real
lessons. Andy pondered upon them deeply, and his hungry mind fed upon
the feast. Of course, so fine a master walking abroad with the lame boy,
aroused the notice of the sentinels, but to their questions he answered
so glibly, that there remained nothing to do but ask more. The game
became tiresome.

The tutor and his pupil kept within bounds, so there was no excuse for
interference. But one day, quite lost in abstraction, the two passed
beyond the gate at the end of the pass, and strolled down the road
patroled by the British. Suddenly a loud "Halt!" made Andy jump. A look
of surprise passed over the master's face as a bayonet was thrust in
front of him.

The soldier was the one who had accosted Ruth; Andy knew him at once.

"Dear me! dear me!" cried the master, querulously, "after seeing us pass
to and fro so often, one would not think it necessary to resort to such
rudeness. Pray, good fellow, is not this his Majesty's highway, and free
to all?"

"No," grumbled the sentinel, lowering his weapon; "what's your
business?"

"Schoolmaster."

"I do not mean that. I see you prodding around rocks and weeds with your
noses in books, but I want to know what you mean on this road?"

"I desire to take a walk on it. I have no weapon, I am a peaceful
person. May I pass?"

"You better turn back. This road is sentineled all the way to camp.
You're too simple to go alone. You are an American?"

"Certainly. Born and bred in the colonies."

"A rebel?"

"Sir!"

"A rebel, I say?"

"I am loyal to the heart's core!" the master replied. "Come, Andy, the
way back is doubtless more pleasant for peaceful folk than the way
before. Conjugate to live, Andy."

Once beyond sight and hearing of the foe, the master bared his head.
"Loyal we are, and we know to whom! But how long it takes to disarm
their doubts!"

CHAPTER IV

THROUGH THE CAVE

That