idea, I gave him to believe I was wholly ignorant of how our people who
were fighting for the Cause should be dressed.

It is not to be supposed that I was thoroughly cast down by thus being
made prisoner, for I knew before many hours had passed I should find
some one who would believe my story, at least, so far as to give me an
interview with the marquis, and once I had repeated what Morgan told me,
there could be no question but that my honesty would be established.

Therefore it was I walked on with my captors almost cheerfully, and they
who at first had watched me as a cat watches a mouse, expecting I might
make some attempt at escape, began to treat me in a more decent fashion,
thereby causing me to believe they were beginning to suspect I had told
somewhat of the truth.

There is little need why I should go into detail concerning this part of
my poor attempt at playing the spy, for it had no other result than my
own discomfort for the time being, and served to show me, if indeed I
needed to be shown after all Saul had done in the town of York, that the
lad who gives way to his temper, whatever the situation, acts foolishly
and to his own harm.

As I had guessed, we were less than a mile from the American line when I
was made prisoner, and within a very short time my captors were halted
by the outposts.

He who acted as the leader of the party gave the countersign, and
straightway I was conducted into the village of canvas tents and
shelters of brush-wood until we were come to a marquee, in front of
which the American flag was floating and two soldiers stood on guard.

Here I was left seated on the ground under the care of one of the men
who had captured me, until a full hour passed, and then to my great
relief of mind and wondrous joy, none other than my father came up,
welcoming me with all the love which I knew full well he had in his
heart.

It needed but few words to explain why I was come to Williamsburg, and
then my business was speedily transacted.

If it had not been my own father who conducted me, I would have said I
was being played upon for a simple when I stood before him whom they
called the Marquis, General Lafayette, for he appeared to me no more
than a boy, hardly older than Pierre Laurens, and because of not having
yet breakfasted he was in partial undress, therefore wore no insignia of
rank.

It was necessary my father prompt me before I found my tongue to repeat
the message, and I f