with the idea that a single oarsman would not
be molested while pulling leisurely up stream as if bent on business of
his own.

He also understood that it was the purpose of his captors, after warning
the garrison at Crown Point, to muster a force of Loyalists from the
immediate vicinity, and march into Sudbury with the idea of taking
Captain Baker and his men prisoners before a second messenger should be
sent from Ticonderoga.

There seemed little hope that such information could avail him, and yet
he was in a certain degree elated because of having gained it.

On arriving at the shore of the lake, where the men had thought it
possible a boat might be found, no craft of any kind was to be seen.

The wind still held strongly from the north, and Jason Wentworth
announced in a tone of satisfaction:

"The rebels won't get very far on their journey toward Crown Point this
day, and I am mistaken if the wind doesn't freshen after sunset."

"It will be precious hard work for us to make our way against such a
breeze," Ezra Jones grumbled.

"Ay; but we can do it with four oars out, and even though we pull at
them twenty-four hours, the labor should count as nothing so that we
arrive in good time."

"But the garrison there is weak?"

"They should be able to hold out until assistance can arrive. We can
muster fifty men for them within two hours; but standing here talking
isn't doing the work, and it's important we set off without unnecessary
delay. Ezra, you go down the shore, and Matthew up, each searching for a
boat, and when one has been found pull to this point, where I will stay
with the prisoners."

"Is it to your mind that I shall take the craft from opposite the fort,
running the risk of being overhauled?"

"Better that than remain here wasting time in talk."

Matthew White was of the opinion that it would be wisest to make the
journey afoot rather than take the risk of being overhauled by the
"rebels;" but to this Master Wentworth would not listen, and, he
evidently being the leader of the party, carried his point.

The two men set out, and immediately after their departure Jason
Wentworth ordered his prisoners back into the underbrush a short
distance from the shore, where he stood guard over them, and at the same
time could keep close watch for the return of his companions.

CHAPTER IX.

A BOLD STROKE.

Isaac's heart beat hard and fast when he and Nathan were thus left with
but a single man