make-believes like the old man, who is all talk an' no substance."

Isaac's face flushed. He was not disposed to let this stranger make
sport of Corporal 'Lige, whom he knew was thoroughly versed in the art
of warfare, and a brave man withal; but before he had decided in his own
mind how the most telling reproof could be administered, they arrived at
headquarters, which was neither more nor less than a shelter built of
pine boughs, situate so far from the main encampment as to afford some
degree of seclusion.

Isaac judged from the eager look on the faces of the officers that this
visit was considered by them of more importance than it was by Nathan,
and instantly Corporal 'Lige saluted, Colonel Allen asked:

"Are both the lads acquainted with the fort?"

"No, colonel; here is the one who lives up Shoreham way," and he touched
Nathan on the shoulder. "This," he added, motioning toward Isaac, "is a
recruit I have taken under my protection."

It was evident that Colonel Allen came nearer Nathan's standard of a
soldier than Corporal 'Lige, for he stood in a respectful attitude
before the officer as if recognizing the latter's right to question him.

"Is your father alive?" the colonel asked.

"Yes, sir; he owns a farm up on the lake."

"How often have you visited the fort within the past year?"

"Mostly twice a week, sir; never less than once."

"Then you are sufficiently well acquainted with the troops to be able to
gain admission at any time?"

"Yes, sir; father sells a lot of truck there, an' I mostly carry it
over."

"Are you known to Captain Delaplace?"

"Yes, sir, and his wife as well."

"What brought you here, lad?"

"We heard it said there was a lot of soldiers marchin' up this way, and
I didn't have much of anything to do, so come down to have a look at
'em."

"Is it generally known near about where you live that troops are
marching toward the fort?"

"I don't think so, sir. Simon York, a trapper, told father, and it was
agreed between them that nothing should be spoken about it lest the news
get out."

"Do you know how many soldiers there are in the fort now?"

"Near about fifty, sir."

"Hark you, lad, are you minded to do a service for those who would
strike a blow against the king?"

"I suppose that would depend on what it was, an' how much I'd make out
of it," Nathan replied cautiously.

"Then you are not of the mind to do anything toward establishing the
independence of the coloni