requires the services of the boy, and if he answers
not what we make as a request, I will send a detachment to enforce a
demand."

Isaac obeyed promptly, not finding it a simple matter to make his way
across the field in the darkness; but finally succeeding after one or
two tumbles, each of which left their marks in the shape of a scratch or
contusion, and with the first knock at the door he heard Farmer Beman's
voice asking as to who was there.

"It is Isaac Rice, sir, and Colonel Easton has sent me to say that
Colonel Allen desires the attendance of Nathan at once."

"What does he want him for?" the shrill voice of Mrs. Beman cried, and
Isaac replied truthfully that he did not know, since no explanation had
been made him.

Then could be heard the farmer, his wife, and son in what was evidently
an altercation, until no less than five minutes had passed, at the end
of which time young Nathan appeared in the doorway fully clad, as he
asked impatiently:

"How much are they willing to give me for coming out in the night like
this?"

"I think it would be well if you depended upon their generosity,
otherwise it is in Colonel Allen's power to force you to do as he asks,"
Isaac replied curtly, and from the inside Farmer Beman shouted:

"Get you gone, boy, and do their bidding. If I again hear you demanding
money for such services, your jacket shall be tanned with the stoutest
hickory switch I can get hereabouts."

One would have said young Beman was the most abused lad in the province
of New York, as he followed Isaac down to the shore, alternately
bewailing his ill-fortune because he had not given Captain Delaplace
information of the coming of such a body of men, trusting to that
officer's generosity for a greater sum of money than was given him by
Colonel Allen, and vehemently protesting he would not stir one step from
the encampment without being well paid for his services. Colonel Easton,
overhearing this threat, stepped directly in front of the grumbling lad
and called for Corporal 'Lige, much to the surprise of both the boys,
saying when the old soldier arrived:

"Corporal, it is Colonel Allen's wish that this lad remain near him
after we have landed on the other side, to show the way into the fort.
He is not disposed to do so willingly, it seems, and it shall be your
duty to see that the order be obeyed. If he attempts to escape, shoot
him down; but give him gentle treatment so long as he complies with your