that we got thus far on our journey, even though we may be turned about
within the next five minutes."

There was little likelihood we would find any obstacle in the way from
this on, if so be we landed at a respectful distance from the
encampment. The vessels in the stream between Gloucester and York were
evidently supposed by the commander-in-chief to be sufficient guard for
the water-ways, and so far as I had been able to learn, no small boats
patrolled the river.

Nor did we meet with any. The way was open before us, and ere yet there
were tokens in the eastern sky of the coming of a new day, we had pulled
the skiff up amid the bushes more than two miles beyond Gloucester
point.

"It begins now to look as though we should succeed in delivering the
message which the Jerseyman wanted sent into the American lines, and if
that can be done we need concern ourselves no further regarding the
outcome, for it matters little what happens to two lads like you and
me," Pierre said.

I could agree with the first part of the proposition; but was not
sufficiently stout-hearted to say with truth that I was indifferent as
to what might befall me, because however great a love I had for the
Cause, my affection for Fitzroy Hamilton and his safe being, was much
stronger.

Until the sun had risen we remained within the screen of foliage resting
from our labor at the oars; but straightway day had fully dawned Pierre
laid his plans for coming upon this man whom the Jerseyman believed
would be looking for a messenger, by stationing me a quarter of a mile
up the bank, while he took post about the same distance below.

"Now it is that we must take some chances," little Frenchie said when we
were about to go to our posts of duty. "It may be that the first who
appears will be a Tory, and we have no means of determining his
politics. If I see a person who appears by his movements to be watching
for some one from the York shore, then shall I run the risk of letting
him know we are lately come from the village."

I understood he would have me do the same, and walked slowly along the
shore keeping within the line of foliage, and thinking meanwhile that as
soon as this task had been finished, if indeed it ever was, we might
with good cause seek for food from some plantation nearby, for my
stomach was crying out loudly that it was time to break fast.

Well, to make what may seem an overly long story as short as possible, I
will content myse