there,
who chances to be a blooming Britisher, thick-headed as are all of his
kidney, having the rank of sergeant, and believing himself to be the
best soldier that ever came to this benighted colony."

"But why should you go there?" I cried, now grown yet more angry. "Why
take chances which were unnecessary?"

"I am of the mind that it was the best stroke of work I have ever yet
done, for not only is the skiff nearby where we can walk out at our
leisure and step on board her; but that red-faced, beef-eating Britisher
stands ready to help us put our prisoners over the rail."

"What?" I exclaimed in bewilderment.

"Aye, and even more, if you please, lad. The sergeant will send with me
to the Bridewell one of his men, so that I shall have no difficulty in
bringing back that raging rebel whom I count to select on the strength
of General Gage's permit, or order, whichever you choose to call it."

I could no longer speak, so perplexing was that which Hiram had said,
and there came into my mind the belief that he was striving to make a
fool of me by telling a cock-and-bull story whereby, after I had shown
faith in it, he might laugh me to scorn.

"It was like this, lad," he said in a grave tone, clapping both hands on
my shoulders as if it was needed he should hold me where my attention
could not be distracted. "I was minded to try on some such lobster back
as would be found in yonder guard-house, the effect of General Gage's
order allowing Job Lord to select a prisoner. I said to myself that by
striving to make friends with one of the rank and file, I might get
some idea as to how such a yarn as must be put up at the Bridewell would
be taken, and with the pass also in my possession, I allowed that no
officer of less rank than a captain would dare interfere with my
movements. Therefore it was I went to the guard-house."

"What excuse did you make for going there?" I contrived to ask.

"It was simply a matter of business, lad. I told this sergeant how
finely Job Lord and myself had been tricking the rebels by giving up
certain information now and then, and aiding such of them as were of
little importance in General Gage's eyes, in order to establish a
reputation as being true friends to the Cause. It was to him mighty
funny, and it seems that he already has had some traffic with our
friend, Master Lord, having more than once received from his superior
officer orders to aid our double-faced villain whenever it might be