er but that there were crevices through which one's foot might
slip if he walked carelessly. At either end small holes had been cut
between the logs, perhaps four or five inches square, which served as
windows, although there was nothing to prevent the wind or the rain from
entering.

I judged that when old Mary lived in the place these apertures were
closed, most like with boards, or perhaps with cloth, but now they stood
naked, and the wind, coming in across the river, found direct vent
through the attic, thus insuring good ventilation if not comfort.

On the outside, and at the rear, was a chimney built of sticks and clay,
with a hole cut through the logs near the floor of the lower room, where
was a fireplace of stones laid up with mortar, and the inside of this
rude chimney was plentifully bedaubed with mud to the depth of two or
three inches, as a safeguard against fire.

Just outside the front door, not more than ten feet away, was a small
well, which had once been stoned up properly, but was now fallen into
such a state of decay that I questioned whether the water in it could be
wholesome. At the time this seemed of but little moment, for it would
not be a great task to bring from the river all the water one would need
to drink, and I failed to give heed to the fact that if we were ever to
use this cabin as a place of refuge the hour might come when we would
suffer from thirst.

After Uncle 'Rasmus had taken care of the provisions we brought, by
stowing them in a poor apology for a cupboard near the side of the
fireplace, he insisted that we lads go out and look about the town,
claiming that the time might come when it would be much to our advantage
to know where this regiment or that legion was quartered, and insisting
also that we must show ourselves as curious, rather than hugging the
hovel so closely.

I was eager to make my way toward that part of the village where the
horses of Simcoe's Rangers were stabled, hoping I might get a glimpse of
poor little Silver Heels, and, therefore, not averse to following the
old negro's advice.

Uncle 'Rasmus announced that it was his intention to remain close
within the building, as if it was not possible for him to move around,
and this was necessary if we lads counted on making his helplessness an
excuse for coming frequently to the town of York.

It was as if Saul had determined on this day to be as disagreeable as
possible. As I have already set down, he repro