two might
make the journey with greater safety, and Morgan replied with a smile as
he motioned toward the loft above:

"What about the lad whom you must guard as you would your own lives, for
verily his escape would mean your death? Since only one is really needed
to carry my message, at least two should remain behind to play the part
of jailors."

"I will set off at once," Pierre said without hesitation, and I knew the
dear little lad was burning to do something of moment; but there came
into my mind like a flash of light, that he was the only one of us who
called ourselves Minute Boys, who had sufficient wit and cool judgment
to keep our secret in case any suspiciously inclined red-coats should
venture into the cabin. Therefore it was I cried quickly and decidedly:

"No, no, Pierre; not you! If Horry Sims is to be held prisoner, you are
the only one among us fitted to take charge of the scoundrel. But for
you he would long since have told the Britishers of our coming into this
town of York, and, having proven yourself capable of conducting such a
game as we are playing, it is your duty to remain here in charge."

"Then who will go?" and Pierre looked from Saul to me, and back again to
Saul.

I waited while one might have counted five to learn if my cousin was
eager for this mission which promised somewhat of danger--very much of
peril if he who left the village was seen going in the direction of the
American lines, and since Saul remained silent, I said with so much of
cheerfulness as I could command:

"I am the one to go. I know well the road from here to Williamsburg, and
it may be that my father is among the troops there, in which case I
shall have no trouble in getting speech with the French general."

It was quite plain to me that Pierre would have insisted on his right to
play the part of messenger between spy and general; but I was not minded
to be left in such a delicate position as must be that lad who remained
to guard our secret, and without giving him a chance to make protest I
continued hurriedly, as if he was indeed my superior and I forced to
obey him:

"Let me go, Pierre dear; I am too thick-headed to be left in charge
should more dangers arise than already surround us. You have already
shown your adroitness in crawling out of narrow quarters, and therefore
must remain here."

Up to this time Uncle 'Rasmus had not spoken. It was as if he failed,
even after all that had been said, of understa