n possible to get out of that cellar without leaving my comrades
in the lurch, I would have taken to my heels, fleeing through the
streets of Boston town at risk of being arrested by the patrol, rather
than remain there at his mercy.

If Hiram remembered the excuse Seth made for having been seen in the
company of Tories, and set the words alongside those just spoken by
Master Lord, he failed to give proof of the fact; but asked as if
believing everything had been explained:

"Did you succeed in learning aught concerning Silas Brownrigg?"

"There is a lad among the prisoners in the Bridewell, and none, so far
as I can learn, in the Queen-street prison. I am of the belief your
friend is the boy I have heard about, because I saw young Jepson
loitering around the building as if expecting to see some one that might
interest him."

"How is this Bridewell guarded?" Hiram asked after a moment's pause.

"Forty men are stationed there, twenty being kept on duty all the time,
and unless you can find one of the lobster backs who would lend his aid,
there is no possibility of your doing that for which you came."

Master Lord spoke decidedly, and as if he believed our mission was come
to an end because of the difficulties which lay in the way, whereupon
Hiram said in a mild tone, which gave one the idea that he had every
confidence in his host:

"Then you would advise that we give it up as a bad job, feeling certain
we shall be able to do nothing?"

To my bewilderment Master Lord acted as if surprised because Hiram was
willing to abandon the enterprise so quickly, and replied hurriedly:

"If so be you have grown faint-hearted, then turn back now while there
is yet time; but if I had taken the chances of coming into Boston town
knowing the Britishers were eager to clap me into prison, I would hold
to the work so long as I held to life."

"And that is exactly what we count on doing, Master Lord," Hiram cried
emphatically, as he brought his hand heavily down upon the old man's
shoulder. "We are thanking you for the information given, and now are
ready to leave this house if there is likelihood we may bring suspicion
upon you."

"Where would you go?"

"We'll take our chances on the street when night has come."

"But you are not driven out from here!" Master Lord cried quickly. "I'm
advising that you stay where it is possible to remain securely hidden,
until such time as the chance you are waiting for presents itself."

H