n the old man ceased speaking. "Our first need is a
hiding-place until we get true knowledge of where the lad may be, and
possibly you can send us to some trusty person who, knowing all the
circumstances, would give us shelter."

"It is certain you can do nothing this night, and I am willing to
confess that you have accomplished a great deal by getting into Boston,
for it has not been an easy matter since the battle. Are you in need of
food?"

"We have had for supper all that four persons could desire," I replied
quickly, fearing lest he might think we had it in mind to depend upon
him entirely.

"Then lie down and take your rest, giving no heed to anything you may
hear in the night. Regardless of what takes place, hold your peace, and
I'll answer for it that no one will suspect there are any hiding here.
When the day comes I shall strive to learn what I may regarding your
comrade, and meet you again at the first opportunity."

Having said this, and without giving us a chance to add a word, he went
up the ladder which led to the kitchen above, leaving us staring at each
other in something very like perplexity and doubt.

Despite all that had been said in Master Lord's favor by the lieutenant
at the battery, I could not put full confidence in this man as being a
true friend to the Cause. His general appearance was against him, so I
thought, and those shifty eyes, which never met yours squarely, were
well calculated to breed distrust.

Now it is true that a lad like myself had no right to judge adversely of
another who had proven himself true, and yet as I looked into the faces
of my companions after our host had gone into the upper room, I saw, or
fancied I did, written there much the same as was in my mind.

Certain it is that Hiram was not particularly well pleased because we
had given ourselves so unreservedly into the power of Master Lord, and
of this he gave proof by saying when we were alone:

"Having come thus far on the venture we must take things as we find
them; but it will do no harm if we keep a sharp watch over every one we
meet, and it would seem that the four of us should be able to discover
anything smacking of treachery."

"Meaning that you have doubts concerning--"

I did not finish the sentence, which was spoken in a whisper, but
pointed with my thumb upward so that he might know who I meant,
whereupon he said quickly:

"Meaning no one in particular, and everybody in general."

"I would