nterfere.

"Which road did they take?"

The instant's pause seemed an eternity to Andy. Then calmly and with
clear, uplifted eyes:

"The main road, sir, it being the safer and shorter!" Andy felt a
moment's dizziness. Then a rough voice startled him:

"I know that boy, my lord; he was the one in the secret passage, about
which I told you. I shall not soon forget him."

"I thought you said your companion in the cave was dealt a stunning
blow; surely this lad could have done no such thing," answered the
Captain.

"I could swear to him, your lordship, though I saw him but for a moment
as Martin went down, and the light went out. Hi! there, Martin, come
here," he called. A man galloped up, a man with a dark bruise upon his
forehead and eye.

"Martin, do you know that boy?" Martin looked, and in the clear light he
saw and knew Andy at once; but something staggered him, and he
stammered and shook.

"Did you strike this soldier?" asked the Captain impatiently of Andy.

"No, sir!" The words came sharply.

"You do not recognize him?" asked the officer of Martin.

"He--is--the--same!" Martin blurted. "We are losing time, my lord."

"There is no way to settle the thing here; we are losing time, and your
story of that night in the cave is too important to overlook, Norton. If
this is the boy we must deal with him later. The young scamp probably
knows the roads well. Lead on, you rascal, but if you play any tricks
and mislead us, my men shall pin you to a tree."

Ruth gave one despairing cry:

"He is lame," she panted. "For shame! How can he lead a mounted troop?"

"We'll go slowly. The game's nearly up, my girl," laughed Norton, "and a
prick of the bayonet"--he suited the word with an action, and prodded
Andy on the arm--"will hurry the lamest patriot. Lead on,
cave-crawler!"

Andy gave one look at Ruth. A look of bravery, appreciation, and mute
thanks for her part of the work.

"It's all right, Ruth," he called back. "Tell mother I'll lead them
straight enough and be home in an hour. Good-by."

By a winding way leading from the main road they went; through
Apthorpe's place they cantered at their ease, and so came to the highway
a mile beyond.

"There may be a shorter cut, my lord," suggested Norton; then he paused.
"Does your lordship observe there are no marks on the road that bespeak
the recent passing of a regiment? This should mean the young rebel's
death!"

"He's a spy in the old fox's hire!" shoute