yself to the suspicion of some sinister motive; so I lay still,
eagerly listening that I might make a guess at the way things were going
by the sounds which reached my ears. Now and then there was a roll of a
drum--now a bugle sounded--then the distant report of a field-piece, and
next, a whole volley of musketry. I sat up with my arm resting on my
pillow, ready to spring to my feet at a moment's notice. I felt very
sad. I could not bear the thought of not seeing Madeline again; and
even should I see her, I knew that I must be prepared to part from her
for an indefinite period--for many long years perhaps. How changed
might she and I be by that time!

"It will not do to indulge in these thoughts," I exclaimed, passing the
palm of my hand to my brow; "they will unman me, or make me turn
traitor. Traitor! ay, that's the word. I must throw no false gloss
over it. Deserter--a wretch, false to his flag! No, no; she herself
would despise me. These men now in arms around me have never sworn
allegiance to their sovereign; they have been forced into rebellion by
ill-treatment and injustice, by numberless insults. I should have no
such excuse. If I unite myself to them it will be for my own
gratification alone. No, no, I'll not do it."

I must confess that many such discussions as this I had in my own mind
at this period, but I resisted the tempter in whatever form he came.
The firing ceased; still I listened, expecting it to recommence. At
length Douglas returned:--

"An affair of outpost!" he remarked carelessly. "You were disturbed by
the firing. Howe's army is somewhat near at hand. He wishes to draw us
into the lower ground, but General Washington knows the strength of our
position, and the advantage it gives us, too well to be tempted out of
it. The enemy has retired; you may rest in quiet for the remainder of
the night."

By daylight all the camp was astir. Lieutenant Spinks soon made his
appearance. He looked pale, but said that his wound did not hurt him,
and that he should be able to accompany me if I was ready to commence
our return journey. I had no excuse to offer to myself for delay, but
every reason for getting back to my vessel. I however frankly told
Captain Douglas that I wished to bid farewell to the ladies I had
escorted to the camp. I have an idea that he suspected how matters
stood.

"We will ride to Colonel Hallet's quarters directly after breakfast," he
answered promptly. "By