u and what do you want?" was the curt and hostile reply,
evidently admitting the identification correct however.

Rolf opened his coat and showed his scout badge.

"Why not talk now if you have any news--come in side." So the two went
to the inner room. "Who is this?" asked Rolf cautiously as the landlord
came in.

"He's all right. This is Titus Flack, the landlord."

"How am I to know that?"

"Haven't you heard him called by name all day?" said the captain.

Flack smiled, went out and returned with his license to sell liquor, and
his commission as a magistrate of New York State. The latter bore his
own signature. He took a pen and reproduced it. Now the captain threw
back his overcoat and stood in the full uniform of an army officer.
He opened his satchel and took out a paper, but Rolf caught sight of
another packet addressed to General Hampton. The small one was merely a
map. "I think that packet in there is meant for me," remarked Rolf.

"We haven't seen your credentials yet," said the officer. "I have them
two miles back there," and Rolf pointed to the woods.

"Let's go," said the captain and they arose. Kittering had a way of
inspiring confidence, but in the short, silent ride of two miles the
captain began to have his doubts. The scout badge might have been
stolen; Canadians often pass for Americans, etc. At length they stopped
the sleigh, and Rolf led into the woods. Before a hundred yards the
officer said, "Stop," and Rolf stopped to find a pistol pointed at his
head. "Now, young fellow, you've played it pretty slick, and I don't
know yet what to make of it. But I know this; at the very first sign of
treachery I'll blow your brains out anyway." It gave Rolf a jolt. This
was the first time he had looked down a pistol barrel levelled at him.
He used to think a pistol a little thing, an inch through and a foot
long, but he found now it seemed as big as a flour barrel and long
enough to reach eternity. He changed colour but quickly recovered,
smiled, and said: "Don't worry; in five minutes you will know it's all
right."

Very soon a sharp bark was heard in challenge, and the two stepped into
camp to meet Quonab and little dog Skookum.

"Doesn't look much like a trap," thought the captain after he had cast
his eyes about and made sure that no other person was in the camp; then
aloud, "Now what have you to show me?"

"Excuse me, captain, but how am I to know you are Captain Forsyth? It is
possible for a c