"

"I know you have, and perhaps you may wonder why I just now volunteered
to accompany you. Thus far I will tell you: I wished to make your
acquaintance, and I also considered that I might be of some service to
you. Although you bear a flag of truce, so great is the exasperation
against all those serving in arms under the traitor Arnold, that I
thought it possible you might be insulted, if not injured, by some of
the more ignorant country people."

I thanked Mr Sutton for his kindness, though I suspected that he had
other reasons for wishing to accompany me which he did not explain. Of
course I could not ask them. He did not mention the names of either
Colonel Carlyon or his daughter, and, much as I longed to do so, I could
not bring myself to speak of them to one who to me, at all events, was a
perfect stranger. He soon also began to talk of affairs in general, and
proved himself a very well-informed man and an entertaining companion.
I could not help fancying at times that he was endeavouring to draw me
out, and to assure himself of what my sentiments really were. We passed
several parties of armed men, but when they saw him they doffed their
hats, or saluted him in military style, with every mark of respect.
When within about a mile of our usual landing-place he reined in his
horse.

"I can go no farther with you," he said; "I have no wish to fall into
the power of any of Arnold's followers. Farewell, Mr Hurry. We may
meet again, perhaps, before long, and when we meet I trust that it will
be as we now part--as friends."

I made a suitable reply; and then, turning his horse's head, he put the
animal into a full gallop, and was soon out of sight. It was late when
I got on board. A gloom, such as is always felt after a disaster has
occurred hung over the ship. The foraging party, or rather a remnant of
them, had just returned. They had a melancholy tale to tell. Mr
Fallock had taken the same road I had gone on my expedition, and had
succeeded in collecting a considerable number of cattle, sheep, pigs and
poultry--indeed, forage of all sorts. All went successfully with him
and his party till they commenced their return. Instead, however, of
marching in the proper order I had proceeded, the cattle were not kept
well together, and the men were allowed to scatter about, and, when any
of the animals strayed, to follow them to a considerable distance from
the main body. The seamen and marines thought it v