us go to him at once, for I must not stay long. I will
tell ye both what hath occurred."

"Come," quoth Sally, leading the way to the staircase, which was at
the back of the house, and approached from a side entrance. "We have
put him in the front chamber, which contains the 'Auger Hole.' Thee
remembers it, Peggy? For further safety we have drawn the bedstead in
front of the door. Unless 'twas known no one would think of looking in
that closet for a hiding-place. There is also an old loom in a corner
up attic which might serve right well for concealment, but mother
thought the chamber with the 'Auger Hole' best; although we showed
Clifford both places."

"Thee has done thy best, Sally," remarked Peggy approvingly. The
"Auger Hole," as it was playfully called, had been built, for what
reason was not known, as a place of concealment. It was a small room,
entirely dark, which could be approached only through a linen closet.
In order to get at it, the linen had to be taken from the shelves, the
shelves drawn out, and a small door opened at the back of the closet,
quite low down, so that the room could be entered only by stooping.
Its existence was known to but few people. So Peggy smiled with
satisfaction, as she added: "I dare say that he will not need to use
either. Thee would never be suspected of having a British prisoner in
hiding."

"True," answered Sally, "but 'tis as well to be prepared for an
emergency. Here we are, Peggy."

"And how does thee do to-day, my cousin?" cried Peggy as her friend
opened the door.

Clifford Owen rose from the easy chair drawn up before the fire, and
turned toward her beamingly. Peggy reflected that she had never seen
him appear to better advantage. His fine eyes were glowing, his form
was erect, and his manner held a graciousness that was charming.

"Well, my little cousin! well indeed," he responded. "Methought that
fur rug yesterday was sumptuous after my experience with the wind and
snow, but your friends have lodged me like a king. Yon tester bed
feels as though 'twere meant for royalty. I doubt if King George rests
upon one so easy."

"It wouldn't rest easy if I had the making of it," spoke Sally pertly.

"The sheriff made another search after thee left, my cousin,"
interposed Peggy hastily. "And, just as Fairfax thought, he sent
another man to explore the kitchen chamber. What if thee had been
there?"

"'Twould have been all up with me," remarked Clifford easily. "How