aid to the lad as to others: "You can
trust me." Rodney Allison was never afterward to doubt George
Washington. The next year, when it was said Washington had declared
that if necessary he would raise a thousand men at his own expense and
march them to Boston, Rodney exclaimed, "He'll do it, too!" When
Boston was evacuated he said, "I knew it." When Washington, in the
face of all sorts of difficulties, led his scattering forces in
masterly retreat before the victorious British, Rodney was to say,
"He's doing all that man can do." But this is getting ahead of the
story, for young Allison is now on his way to the home of Richard
Henry Lee, who later was to propose independence in the Continental
Congress, when to do so might mean loss of not only his property but
his life as well, for King George would have liked to make an example
of at least a few prominent "traitors," could he have got them in his
clutches.

The meeting with Mr. Lee was for Rodney another pleasant experience; a
fine man, and what an agreeable voice he had! Then the lad turned
Nat's head toward home, well pleased with the success that so far had
attended his journey.

Two days of travelling brought him to the neighbourhood of his old
home. He was aware of a dull ache in his throat as he rode by the
school house. It seemed as if he saw his father bowed over the rude
bench within. In the distance he caught a glimpse of "The Hall." There
was a feeling of homesickness with it all, and he would have given all
that his scant purse contained to see Lisbeth and have her know that
he had become a person of some importance. Wouldn't the squire rave if
he knew the errands he had in charge. Ah, but those stiff-necked
Tories would have to yield!

As he rode past "The Hall" he looked long at the house. The squire
galloped up behind and passed him with a stare and a salute, not
recognizing him.

"I wonder he didn't remember Nat," thought Rodney, and it was
surprising because the squire was a great admirer of a good horse and
knew the "points" of all the best in the county.

A little farther along lived the Roscomes. There he was sure of
finding a place to spend the night. It was then about four in the
afternoon. He would have time to get his supper and then ride up on
the hill for one more look at the familiar view.

The Roscomes, father and son, owned but a small plantation, but their
hospitality was princely and it was with difficulty he got away for
the hi