loud breathings, which soon rose into the regular
cadence of one in deep sleep. The man continued walking his post,
musing on an indifference to life which could allow nature its
customary rest, even on the threshold of the grave.

His meditations were, however, soon interrupted by the approach of the
washerwoman, who came staggering through the door that communicated
with the kitchen, muttering execrations against the servants of the
officers, who, by their waggery, had disturbed her slumbers before
the fire. The sentinel understood enough of her curses to comprehend
the case; but all his efforts to enter into conversation with the
enraged woman were useless, and he suffered her to enter her room
without explaining that it contained another inmate. The noise of her
huge frame falling on the bed was succeeded by a silence that was soon
interrupted by the renewed respiration of the peddler, and within a
few minutes Harvey continued to breathe aloud, as if no interruption
had occurred. The relief[83] arrived at this moment, and at the same
time, the door of the prison was opened and Betty reappeared,
staggering back again toward her former quarters.

[Footnote 83: change of sentinel.]

CHAPTER XIII.

THE SKINNERS' REWARD.

The Skinners followed Captain Lawton with alacrity towards the
quarters occupied by the troop of that gentleman. They soon arrived at
a better sort of farm-house, the very extensive out-buildings of which
were in tolerable repair, for the times. Lawton excused himself for a
moment, and entered his quarters. He soon returned, holding in his
hand one of the common stable-lanterns, and led the way towards a
large orchard that surrounded the buildings on three sides. The gang
followed the trooper in silence. Approaching the captain, the Skinner
said, "Do you think the colonies will finally get the better of the
king?"

"Get the better!" echoed the captain, with impetuosity; then checking
himself, he continued, "no doubt they will. If the French[84] will
give us arms and money, we can drive out the royal troops in six
months."

[Footnote 84: French aid was given the Americans.]

"Well, so I hope we shall soon; and then we shall have a free
government, and we, who fight for it, will get our reward."

"Oh!" cried Lawton, "your claims are indisputable; while all these
vile Tories[85] who live at home peaceably, to take care of their
farms, will be held in the contempt they merit.