it is more than probable young Beman repented of having
attempted to make a "short cut," for the advance was indeed difficult.

At times it was really painful to force one's way through the tangled
foliage, while now and again the boys found themselves floundering over
swampy land; but Nathan made no complaint because he was responsible for
having taken such a course, and Isaac hardly dared protest lest his
companion should be angered.

"I still maintain that it was better to come this way than travel two
miles in vain," Nathan said as he threw himself upon the ground, and
Corporal 'Lige's recruit ventured to suggest mildly:

"I'd rather walk three miles on the shore than one here, where a fellow
is obliged to fight his way through."

"Perhaps you know this country better than I do, and would take the
lead?"

"Not so. You left Ticonderoga as guide, and it would not be seemly in
me, who am a stranger here as well as a lad unaccustomed to this sort of
warfare which is now being conducted, to do other than follow your lead;
but----"

The remark which was intended to soothe the irritation in the guide's
breast was not concluded, for Isaac was interrupted by the sudden and
unexpected appearance of three men, who came upon the boys as if from an
ambush.

"Hullo!" Master Beman cried carelessly as if something in the way of a
salutation was expected from him.

Instead of replying to this hail the two lads were seized roughly, and
without a word the strangers, taking possession of the musket, began
searching the messengers' clothing as if expecting something of value or
importance would be found.

"Look here! What are you about?" Nathan cried angrily, while Isaac
submitted in silence, for he understood that these three might be
enemies to the cause. "What do you mean by handling me in this shape?"

"Better keep your tongue between your teeth, young Beman," one of the
men said in a surly tone. "When we ask for information there'll be time
enough for you to wag it so freely."

Surprised at having been thus recognized, and heedless of the warning,
Nathan continued:

"Who are you? I never saw you before! What right have you to handle me
in this fashion?"

"The right of any of his majesty's subjects, for in these times it is
well to overhaul every rebel one runs across."

"I'm no rebel!" Nathan cried, now exhibiting signs of alarm.

"Your father is, which amounts to the same thing," the man replied, as,
after hav