t to do harm."

Saul soon gave way, although he was burning to venture so far as might
be possible inside the British lines, because running into real danger
was as a balm to his heart while he yet smarted under the loss of his
mare.

Therefore it was I told little Frenchie to go his way, taking due care
to his own safety, and endeavor to find out where the stolen horses had
been quartered, pressing upon him, although there was no necessity of so
doing, that we were more eager to learn where Silver Heels and Saul's
mare were, than to know the whereabouts of the other horses.

"And do you poor lads believe it may be possible for you to wrest from
the grasp of these red-coated soldiers that which they have laid hands
upon?" Pierre asked in a tone of sadness, and I replied, striving in
vain to repress the tone of irritation:

"We shall at least make an attempt, Pierre Laurens, even though there is
little hope of success. I could not find it in my heart to remain idle
while Silver Heels is in the possession of a Britisher, no matter how
much of danger I might be sticking my nose into. Now go, and if so be
your visit is vain, then will I take the chances myself, although I have
come to believe with you, that Saul and I should not be seen loitering
around the village this morning of all others, because it would easily
be guessed why we had come."

Pierre made as if to speak, and then, most like realizing the
uselessness of attempting, while we were in such angry frame of mind, to
combat any plans we had formed, he turned on his heel and strode off in
the direction of the town from whence we could hear now and then the
beating of drums, the hum of voices, and noises which betokened the
digging up of earth.

Saul had thrown himself face downward amid the bushes, striving, as I
understood from the pain in my own heart, to prevent giving noisy token
to his grief, and I was in no mood to exchange words with him, therefore
we two lads lay concealed by the side of the road, giving no heed to
what might happen to our disadvantage; but dwelling only upon the loss
which had come to us.

To some it may seem veriest folly that we should so mourn over the loss
of our horses; but let him who laughs once have companionship with such
a colt as Silver Heels, as I have had, and then if he can have mirth in
his heart when she has been taken away from him, most like to be abused
as are horses in the army, then will I say that he has not