lad was eager to act as spokesman; but I dared not trust him
because of his quick temper. Therefore it was I said, firmly believing I
spoke the truth:

"Pierre is the one of us three who can best perform the part. If his
tongue fails us, then can we make certain, Saul, that either you or I
would have brought disaster. The lad has a quicker wit, knows far more
about military encampments, although he boasts not, and can hold his
temper in check."

I have an idea that my cousin was not well pleased at being thus put
under the command, as you might say, of little Frenchie; but there was
no time for him to have made protest even though he was so disposed,
because we were come so near the outposts that all our conversation
might have been heard by the red-coated soldier who paced to and fro
with a bayonet on his musket, looking as if ready to spit or strike any
of us rebels who dared approach him.

I believe none of us, except little Frenchie, could have worked the
trick. He advanced within four or five paces of the sentinel, touched
his hat in regular military salute, and asked if it might be possible
for him to speak with the officer of the day.

This puzzled me not a little, for I had no idea whatsoever who the
"officer of the day" might be, or what his duties; but it appeared that
Pierre knew what he was about, for straightway the sentinel, seeming to
understand that this little lad was familiar with military usages,
called up the officer of the guard, and, without waiting to be
questioned, Pierre addressed him, stating courteously but without too
many words, that there was an old slave in the town whom we feared stood
in need of food and care, therefore had we come to hunt him up.

When the officer asked where we counted on finding this slave, I had wit
enough to step forward quickly and make reply, for Pierre, who had but
little knowledge of the town of York, and none whatsoever as to the
location of old Mary's cabin, could not have given answer.

[Illustration: "HE ... TOUCHED HIS HAT IN REGULAR MILITARY SALUTE."]

The whole matter was far more simple than I had hoped for. Pierre's
story was so straight, he was so exceeding courteous, and apparently so
ready to tell everything about himself and us, that even the most
suspicious person would have been disarmed, and within five minutes
after requesting permission, we were allowed to pass the sentinel, with
no limit set as to the time we might remain in the lines.