to admit that at some time in the future it will be
necessary to set me free," he began, paving the way for that proposition
which was coming, and little Frenchie said in a friendly tone:

"Yes, that is true, unless before such time comes you make it necessary
for us to take your life in order to protect ourselves."

"Surely you would not kill me in cold blood when I stand ready to obey
whatsoever command you may give?"

"In that case we should hesitate before taking even such a worthless
life as yours," Pierre replied, and one might have thought from the tone
of his voice that he was saying something which would be pleasing to the
listener.

"Then if it be true, as you admit, that the time must come when I am
allowed to go free, it seems to me you had better make a bargain now,
rather than be forced to let me go later and bear all the consequences
of this high-handed proceeding of yours. Surely you must understand that
my friends, and my father has many nearabout the towns of James and
York, will take revenge because of what you have done to me. Suppose I
agree to hold my peace forever regarding what you have done, and, in
addition, promise to go out and seek diligently for Saul? I can go where
you dare not; I can receive replies to my questions when those whom you
approached would be dumb, and may promise almost with certainty that
before daylight Saul Ogden will be with you, for if the Britishers are
holding him my people have influence enough with Lord Cornwallis to
effect his release."

"You are forgetting, Horry Sims, that we have been forced to allow you
to share too many secrets of ours," Pierre said mildly, and the Tory cur
added eagerly:

"You have my word of honor that I will not so much as think of them
after leaving this hovel. Whatsoever I may have heard or seen here is
locked in my breast forever, if so be you are minded to treat with me."

"Such a proposition as you make might be heeded if he who suggested it
was one who had any honor on which we could rely," Pierre said, still
speaking in a mild tone. "We know as well as you, that instantly you
were allowed to go free your feet would carry you to Lord Cornwallis's
headquarters, and there, regardless of your so-called word of honor, you
would repeat everything you have heard--most likely very much you have
imagined. I am not willing to have dealings of any kind with a Tory; but
it may be that Fitz Hamilton is more foolish, and if he chooses to
ac