You are going?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"That I do not know. But I shall find a way. They have forced Jim
Cadwalader into the company."

"Jim?"

"Yes. I learned that last night. Today I mean to see Jim to learn the
particulars. After that we shall be in a position to decide further. You
will be here when I return?"

"Yes. I shall stay here."

"I won't go until late this afternoon. Until then keep your eye open."

"Yes, sir," he replied, saluting.

II

When Stephen had presented himself that afternoon at Jim Cadwalader's
modest home, he had almost persuaded himself that all would not be
well. That the members of the Catholic regiment, whom Anderson boasted
had totaled nearly an hundred, could so easily be dissuaded from their
original purpose, he thought highly improbable. He was well aware that
some of his co-religionists had been subject to British official or
personal influence; that other some were vehemently opposed to the many
outrages which had been committed and condoned in the name of Liberty;
that others still were not unmindful of the spirit of hostility
displayed by the Colonists during the early days, and had now refused
for that reason to take sides with their intolerant neighbors in their
struggle for Independence. Hence it was quite true that many Catholics
were loyal to the mother country, more loyal, in fact, than they were to
the principles of American Independence and the land of their birth.
These, he feared, might have composed the bulk of the recruits and these
might be the less easily dissuaded. On the other hand, he was satisfied
that many who were unwilling to barter their allegiance had been
constrained to yield. If the complexion of the regiment was of the
latter variety, all would be well. His misgivings were not without
foundation.

He knocked upon the small white door of Jim's house and inquired of Mrs.
Cadwalader if he might see her husband. Jim was at the door even as he
spoke, and grasped his hand warmly, exchanging the greetings of the day.
He then led him to the chairs under the great tree.

"I want to see you on a matter of great importance," Stephen said with
no further delay. "Tell me about Mr. Anderson."

"I guess ther' ain't much t' tell," Jim replied.

"You have held conference with him?"

"'Twas him thet held it; not me."

"About the Regiment?"

"Aye!"

"Have you signed your name?"

"I hed t'."

He was all in a fever, for his manner and his hesitation ind