"

"It is not the labor that would stop us," Pierre said hotly. "It is
needed only that you point out how we can be of service, and nothing
else is of importance."

"I know that, lad, right well do I know it, from what little I have seen
of you since we met. Go to the officer of the day early in the morning,
or to whomsoever wearing a sword you can come at most handily. Tell the
truth so far as may be safe, and humbly beg permission to go fishing.
For the time being put from your minds all thoughts of Saul Ogden,
difficult though that may be, for I assure you he is in no danger, and
enjoying more of comfort than it is possible for you to enjoy here in
this cabin while you stand guard over a Tory prisoner."

I would have forced Morgan to explain more regarding this man whom he
thought we might possibly meet on the Gloucester shore, for I was eager
to understand how the fellow had come there, and what cause he had for
believing he might be seen by the Jerseyman; but our visitor cut me
short by saying that now his business had been transacted there was no
reason why he should remain longer, and great need for him to hasten
away.

Immediately we were alone Pierre set out the last of our store of
provisions, dividing the food equally between us four, counting the
prisoner as a member of the company, and when we had eaten the frugal
meal, which was in quantity no more than enough to make plain the fact
that we were hungry, little Frenchie led me into the open air, making no
explanation to Uncle 'Rasmus regarding his movements.

"Where would you go?" I asked when the door was closed upon us, so that
those inside the cabin might not hear what was said, and the dear little
French lad whispered in my ear, while caressing the sleeve of my coat:

"I would not have you believe, Fitz Hamilton, that I am so cold blooded
as it appeared when I agreed with the Jerseyman that we would make no
attempt at getting word to Saul. I am burning to let the lad know we
stand ready at the first opportunity to give him aid, and to that end
would walk down past the house where we are told he is imprisoned."

"But what about the danger we may be bringing upon Morgan by thus
interfering, when he has advised that we remain quietly with Uncle
Rasmus?" I cried, and Pierre replied softly:

"Can you not see how lame his argument was that he himself might be
drawn into trouble if we were suspected? He has visited us twice in the
cabin, and both time