ech, "and the
thought that I must confess my folly caused me greater pain, I believe,
than did the knowledge of being held prisoner in that guard-house with
half a dozen half-drunken soldiers as companions. It was a case of
giving way to my temper, and the sooner I admit the fact the better,
perhaps, I shall feel."

"With whom did you quarrel?" I asked curiously, surprised by the
possibility that any British soldier should have condescended to
squabble with a country lad.

"With Abel Hunt," Saul replied, and Pierre and I leaped to our feet as
if moved by a powerful spring.

Abel Hunt! And that scoundrel had followed us, knowing what he did about
Saul, without saying anything whatsoever concerning the lad; but
striving to find where we were lodged so he might work yet further
mischief!

As this came into my mind I realized that the danger which menaced us
was greater than I feared, for Abel Hunt, having met Saul and compassed
his imprisonment, knew also that we were in the village. It was not
within the bounds of probability that he could even guess of our visit
to the Gloucester shore; but he would spare no labor to lay us by the
heels as spies. He had shown himself deep, that villain Hunt, deeper
than I ever believed was possible, for until this instant I had set him
down as one almost lacking in mental ability.

"Tell us how the quarrel came about?" Pierre said quickly. "We also have
seen somewhat of this Abel Hunt, and it may be we need to know more
about him without loss of time in order to protect ourselves, if indeed
there be any protection for us in this British camp."

"_You_ have had to do with Abel Hunt?" Saul cried in astonishment. "Does
he know that you two lads are here?"

"That he does," I replied. "He followed us until midnight, after we told
him we had no shelter and were forced to sleep out of doors if we slept
at all."

"Did he tell you of meeting me?"

"Never a word, and it is that very thing which troubles me," Pierre
cried, more excited than I had ever yet seen him. "He knew that if he
said aught against you or confessed to having had a hand in making you a
prisoner, there would be no possible chance of our confiding in him, or
be frightened into telling that which he sought to learn. Now go on with
the story, lad, and quick!"

"There is not much more to tell, when I say that I met with Abel Hunt.
We came together nearabout the quarters of the Rangers, where I stood
hoping to get a gli