e guidance of
Bill Jepson, when, had we dared assert our authority, she would be
creeping with no other motive power than the paddles in the hands of
two tired boys.

At noon we landed on the southerly side of Hog Point, where I knew a
fisherman lived, and went toward the house hoping we might be able to
get something in the way of provisions, for I had in my pocket the
money which had been paid by the officers of the Narcissus.

Bill Jepson remained in the canoe, to "keep ship" as he said, and
Jerry and I walked through the small growth of timber nearly
encircling the building, with never a thought of keeping ourselves
concealed from view; but yet remaining silent for the very good reason
that we had nothing of interest to say to each other.

Thus it was by mere chance that our approach was almost noiseless, and
when we were come within view of the dwelling, from whence we could
hear the hum of voices, none of the inmates were aware of our
presence.

This man--Jenkins was his name--had a wife and one child, as I well
knew, therefore hearing the sound as of several voices, I naturally
looked out from the underbrush before showing myself, for there was in
my mind the thought that he might have a party of Britishers as
visitors.

One man, and he the owner of the dwelling, was lying on the grass just
outside the window, talking with another who was seated within the
building, whose head and shoulders only could be seen; but one glance
at the face was sufficient to cause me to draw suddenly back as I
motioned to Jerry to advance where he could have a view of Jenkins'
visitor.

It was Elias Macomber who sat at the window, talking with his host on
the outside, and we could readily overhear the conversation.

Under ordinary circumstances I hold that an eavesdropper is the
meanest kind of a person; but considering all the facts of the case,
it seemed just then that it was our duty to learn all we might.

As we came up Jenkins was evidently opposing something which the
traitor had said, for when we were in position to listen, Macomber
cried sharply:

"I shall watch out for the British fleet, an' board the first vessel
that heaves in sight. I reckon I can tell the admiral somethin' which
he'll like to hear."

"But, Elias," Jenkins remonstrated, "even though you don't believe in
the war, surely you wouldn't do that which might work harm to your
neighbors?"

"I'm an Englishman!"

"By comin' here an' settlin' down,