lf by saying that we two lads remained sometimes out in
full view, and again amid the foliage where we were partially screened,
until a good two hours had passed. Then there came into my view a man
with a bit of green in his hat, clad somewhat after the fashion of a
Virginia planter, who moved cautiously, not seeing me until he was where
it would be possible to have a view of York village, when he seated
himself upon the ground as if on watch.

I made no delay in going toward him, and fancied he looked more than a
little concerned that I should have appeared so suddenly, all of which
went to strengthen my belief that this was the man whom we were seeking,
therefore without juggling words, I asked him:

"Do you await some messenger from the other shore, sir?"

He looked me over from head to toe before answering, and then replied by
asking a question:

"Is there any good reason why it concerns you, young master, if I so
wait here?"

"Ay, sir, that it does, since I, with my comrade who is on watch lower
down the shore, am come to find some one who awaits a message, or, we
may say, who is eager for news."

"Who are you?"

"The son of Alexander Hamilton, whose plantation lies within the bounds
of the town of James; but who himself is in the American army."

"Did any one send you here?"

"Yes, we were asked to show ourselves in a boat off the shore; but
inasmuch as we were forced to sneak out of York, it did not seem safe we
should make overly much of an exhibition of ourselves."

"Who sent you?"

"Tell me first from whom you are expecting a message, and then I will
answer the question."

"Do you know aught of a man by the name of Morgan?"

Then it was that without replying I raised my voice, calling Pierre by
name, for now was I positive we had hit upon the man whom the spy would
have us see, and when little Frenchie had replied, I explained to the
stranger that it was my comrade to whom the message had been delivered,
and I believed he should have the credit of repeating it. Ten minutes
later the man was scurrying across country at his best speed, without
having uttered no word of thanks or praise for what we had done. No
sooner did Pierre give that message which the Jerseyman had entrusted
him with, and declared that we had no other information, than the fellow
wheeled quickly about like a fox who has got the scent of dogs, and
straightway we were alone, looking blankly into each other's faces,
asking ment