his will, for half of what he gave to me, you know, he said he should
have given to her."

"It may be difficult to persuade her to accept it. Enderwood, you
know, offered to share his fortune with her and she refused." There
was a questioning smile on Mrs. Allison's face.

Two days later Zeb returned from the Quaker City, very much downcast
in appearance until he saw Rodney, when his face lighted with
pleasure that was unmistakable.

"Looks how Tarleton let ye off easy."

"He was busy looking after himself. But, Zeb, it seems you failed in
your errand. Is Lis--is Miss Danesford sick?"

"No. I reckon," and Zeb gave a shrewd glance at Rodney, "the wrong man
was sent. She looks pale and tired. She has to work hard; she's
runnin' some sort of a girls' school, an' I'd ruther train a yardful
o' raw recruits."

"I'm sorry you could not persuade her to come," was all Mrs. Allison
said, but she looked at her son, who remained silent.

About two weeks later he announced that he was going to Philadelphia
and no one questioned him as to what his errand might be, though it
was evident to Zeb that Rodney's mother was much pleased.

He had recovered from his wound, and good care and plenty to eat had
restored some of Nat's good spirits, so that man and horse made a very
pleasing appearance as they set forth on the long journey. Nat found
his rider impatient and both were tired when at evening they reached
the tavern where they were to stop for the night. After supper Rodney
sat on the veranda watching the arrivals and departures, for the house
was a much frequented public resort on the main thoroughfare.

CHAPTER XXXII

A REWARD GREATER THAN PROMOTION

Rodney had risen from his seat to step inside when the arrival of a
coach, which bore the marks of a long journey, attracted his
attention.

The light from the small paned windows shone dimly, but he saw that
only two passengers alighted, one a young woman accompanied by an old
man who appeared to be very feeble and leaned heavily on her. "Father
and daughter," was Rodney's thought, but his words were, "May I
assist," as he went to meet them.

The girl turned a white, tired face toward him, the face of Elizabeth,
but, oh! so unlike that which had mocked him three years before!

"Rodney!" The girl's voice trembled.

"Aye, lass," said the old man in a weak, quavering voice. "Would the
laddie were here the noo. I'm a sair burden for your frail strength."

For