se I was growing anxious, and had begun to fear
that some one might come who would suspect that we were plotting
mischief against the red-coated trespassers.

My cousin wheeled sharply around as if angry, and under other
circumstances I would have held him back lest we part in unfriendly
fashion; but at this moment there was so much of fear in my heart lest
we be prevented from carrying out the half-formed plan, that I could not
parley with my kinsman as I should have done. Rather was it a relief to
me when he turned about to retrace his steps, and, clutching little
Frenchie by the arm, I said curtly:

"Now step out, lad, and if so be we hear any one approaching either from
the front or rear, it is for us to seek cover amid the foliage, even as
rabbits do, for we must not be seen 'twixt now and the time we make
ready to enter the town bearing provisions for Uncle 'Rasmus."

Pierre did as he was bidden, making no protest at my rough handling of
him, and from that time until we were come to the dead cottonwood
neither of us spoke. I fancy that his heart, like mine, was filled with
forebodings of the future, and with questions as to whether he was not
on a road which would lead to the gallows.

It was not yet dark when we arrived at our destination without having
seen man or woman on the road, all of which caused me yet more anxiety,
for I failed to understand why it was that on this day when the curious
people of Virginia should have been going to and fro to see the king's
soldiers, none save ourselves were abroad.

Pierre and I sought the same resting place as had Saul and I earlier in
the day. The little French lad spread out the blankets as if making
ready to spend the night, and I asked if he did not count on seeing
Uncle 'Rasmus very soon, whereupon he said with a laugh and a shrug,
that it made no difference to him when the old negro arrived at the
rendezvous, although it would please him better did the old man come
later rather than earlier; but he was intending to get what rest he
could while he had at his command such an apology for a bed.

"We needn't expect him before midnight at the soonest," Pierre said as
he nestled down on the blankets, motioning for me to follow his example,
"and 'twixt now and then we may get a fairly good night's rest if we do
not spend too much time in talking."

We were where it would be impossible for any passers-by on the highway
to see us, unless peradventure they were so cur