An inquiring look came swiftly into the deeply-lined face of the man with the lantern. He bent forward eagerly.

“Perhaps,” said he, “you are from the north.”

“Yes,” replied Nat, calmly. “I am from the north.”

“WHO ARE YOU?” HE DEMANDED

[35]“And you are going——?”

[35]

“To Chew House,” with great frankness.

“Good!” The old man burst into a cackle of laughter, reached out and patted the boy’s shoulder approvingly. “Excellent! But,” with an admonitory air, “it would be as well to mention no names.”

Nat had no reply for this, and so remained silent.

“I am Stephen Comegies,” continued the old man. “Perhaps,” with a great deal of pride, “you have heard of me.”

“I have,” replied the lad.

“There are a few who have not,” chuckled “Grumpy Comegies.” “The king has some friends who do not fear to speak their minds to the rabble. And I would not let it end with speaking,” he went on, with increased spirit, “if I were twenty years younger. There is not a lad of you all that would take horse in the government’s service quicker than I.”

Here Nat noticed the girl plucking the old man’s sleeve. He bent impatiently down and she whispered some quick words in his ear.[36] But he shook his big gray head at her evident attempt to check his garrulousness.

[36]

“Child,” said he, “leave men’s work to men. I am old enough to know a friend from a foe. And I will not hesitate to speak a word of encouragement to one when I meet him prepared to do dangerous work for his master.” He turned to Nat and held out his hand. “Your hand, lad.”

Nat extended his hand; the old man grasped it in a way that showed that all his strength had not departed from him, and said:

“If you and your comrades succeed in what you are about to undertake, you will scatter this rebellion like chaff. Have no fear; sweep upon them and 

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