ther was a soldier," Pierre said proudly. "I have heard him and
his friends discussing their campaigns and sieges until it seems to me I
should be able to say with somewhat of reason how a town like this could
be fortified."

"I give you credit for stationing the grand battery near the church. To
my mind, Cornwallis counted on putting it farther to the westward, but
now I can see that you are right." Then, turning to me again, the spy
continued, "You will say to the marquis when you have speech with him,
that I sent you, not being able to leave the village, as he can readily
understand, and, after giving a description of the fortifications, say
that much of the information has come through your friend, a little
French boy, who seems to have a better idea of military works than a
Jerseyman like myself. Let him know that one of his countrymen has been
thus keen in finding out the plan."

"When am I to go?" I inquired, and Morgan said quickly:

"As soon as may be now that you have the message. There is no reason why
you should linger, and if you go at once I can point out the safest
place to make your way through the lines. An hour later I must be in
quarters lest suspicions be aroused."

I confess to a weakness of heart on learning that I was to set off on a
mission without delay. When I had proposed to act the part of messenger
the work was seemingly in the future, and I did not give much heed to
the possibility of danger until he set the time for departure so close
at hand. Now I could see before me all the perils which might be
encountered, and imagined many that might never come my way; but I
strove to the utmost to prevent the others from reading by my face that
which was in my heart, putting on a bold front as I buckled my belt a
bit the tighter, and turned toward the door as if to take my departure.

Morgan rose to his feet, and Uncle 'Rasmus seized both my hands in his
as he whispered softly:

"Take care ob yoursef, honey, take care ob yoursef. Make a straight
getaway for Williamsburg, an' don' go gallivantin' 'roun', kase dere's
danger from de time you leabe here till you get inside de rebel lines."

I had had a certain affection for the old negro before this moment, but
now something akin to love came into my heart because of the anxiety he
displayed concerning my welfare, and I returned his handclasp heartily,
saying in what I strove should be a cheery tone:

"Don't let your heart be troubled about me,