alist among us, he having no less than two shillings.

We had funds in plenty for the purchase of such food as would satisfy
our hunger during two or three days, and the only matter which gave us
any uneasiness was regarding a shelter, which had now become
absolutely necessary since father joined us, for it went without
saying that he must not be seen.

When Jerry conceived the scheme we were attempting to carry into
execution, he believed, as did I, that Washington would be almost
wholly abandoned by the citizens, and, in fact, it was reasonable to
suppose that when the news of the defeat was brought to the city
nearly every one would seek safety in flight, therefore we counted on
being able to take shelter in any building which took our fancy.

While yet in the outskirts of the town, however, we understood that we
were mistaken. So far as I could see, the inhabitants remained within
their homes, probably under the belief that the enemy would behave
like civilized people rather than as barbarians, and our chances for
finding a hiding-place seemed small.

Having no acquaintance with the city, we walked on at haphazard until
having come within a short distance of a tavern near the Capitol, hard
by a large building which looked not unlike a rope walk.

It was in my mind that we could do no better than stop at the tavern,
trusting that our small store of money would suffice to pay for one
room in which all of us might gather; but to this Darius made most
decided objection.

"It is the last place for us to choose," he said decidedly. "Even if
the house is not taken as quarters by some of the officers, it will be
visited by the rank and file, and we might as well be in the open air.
Yonder smoke-house would suit our purpose better."

It seemed to me that in a city said to contain nine hundred buildings
we could do better than hide in a smoke-house, and so I said, claiming
that we would be in no more danger by making ourselves as comfortable
as possible under the circumstances, than if we huddled into some
corner.

Jim Freeman and Jerry seemed to be in my way of thinking; but Darius
declared that unless we could content ourselves with such a
hiding-place as was not likely to attract the attention of the enemy,
we might count him out of the scheme.

"But what can be done with the mule, if we take to the smoke-house?" I
cried, believing I thus had an argument which he could not well
answer.

"Turn him loose, of cou