ecause, having much the
same as supplied the Hunt family with food, he could demand their
service whenever they were required.

Looking over what I have here set down, it would seem as if I was making
it appear that Pierre and I stood motionless several seconds in front of
Abel Hunt, whereas all these thoughts had come into my mind in a
twinkling, even as I crowded little Frenchie into the roadway with the
faint hope that we might pass Hunt and not be recognized.

In this I was unsuccessful, for even as I would have moved out of his
path the fellow seized me by the arm, as if he was my equal, and said
with a coarse laugh:

"Well, how comes it that one of the Hamiltons, who claim to be red-hot
rebels, is loitering around the British encampment? Have you changed
coats lately, Master Fitz?"

"I am wearing the same coat of buff and blue that I stood ready to put
on when we heard the news from Boston. I suppose if there be any color
to yours, it is red, unless peradventure you could find more money in
the pockets of a garment of different hue."

This last I said because it was well known two years before that both
Abel and his father were willing to sell their services to Whig or
Tory; but could find none foolish enough to buy them, therefore,
dependent upon Master Sims as they were for their daily bread, fell into
line as lovers of the king.

Hunt gave no heed to me when I thus reminded him that he was willing to
sell his opinions; but abruptly demanded why I was in York, and where I
counted on going.

It is true that I might have told the fellow it was none of his
business, and refused to hold converse with him, as I surely would have
done had the danger not been so great. If I passed him with an angry
word it was absolutely certain he would follow to learn where I went,
and, failing in discovering that, might give information that the son of
Captain Hamilton of the American army was loitering around York,
whereupon I would find myself in that same guard-house where Saul was
confined.

The only course, as it seemed to me, and I was forced to decide on the
instant, was to speak to the fellow fairly, and, much though I disliked
to do so, strive to throw him off the scent.

Therefore it was I said, forcing myself to speak in a fairly friendly
tone:

"Pierre and I came into York yesterday to see the soldiers, for never
before have I been in a military encampment. We had no difficulty in
entering the lines; but it