d be raised, and the
necessary orders were issued by Lawton to remove the whole party to
the Four Corners.

The brief arrangements of the dragoons had prepared two apartments
for the reception of the ladies, the one being intended as a
sleeping-room, and situated within the other.

While leaning in the doorway, Lawton's ear caught the sound of a
horse, and the next instant a dragoon of his own troop appeared
dashing up the road, as if on business of vast importance. The steed
was foaming, and the rider had the appearance of having done a day's
service. Without speaking, he placed a letter in the hand of Lawton,
and led his charger to the stable. The trooper knew the hand of the
major, and ran his eye over the following:

"I rejoice it is the order of Washington, that the family of
the Locusts are to be removed above the Highlands. They are
to be admitted to the society of Captain Wharton, who waits
only for their testimony to be tried. You will communicate
this order, and with proper delicacy I do not doubt. The
English are moving up the river; and the moment you see the
Whartons in safety, break up and join your troop. There will
be good service to be done when we meet, as Sir Henry[98] is
reported to have sent out a real soldier in command. Reports
must be made to the commandant at Peekskill, for Colonel
Singleton is withdrawn to headquarters, to preside over the
inquiry upon poor Wharton. Fresh orders have been sent to
hang the peddler if we can take him, but they are not from
the commander-in-chief. Detail a small guard with the
ladies, and get into the saddle as soon as possible.

"Yours sincerely,

"PEYTON DUNWOODIE."

[Footnote 98: Sir Henry Clinton, commander of the English
forces.]

This communication changed the whole arrangement. A new stimulus was
given to the Whartons by the intelligence conveyed in the letter of
Dunwoodie; and Caesar, with his horses, was once more put in
requisition.

The word to march was given; and Lawton, throwing a look of sullen
ferocity at the place of the Skinners' concealment, led the way,
accompanied by the surgeon in a brown study; while Sergeant Hollister
and Betty brought up the rear. The day's march was performed chiefly
in silence, and the party found shelter for the night in different
farm-houses.

CHAPTER XVII.

CAPTAIN WHA