The soldier was the one who had accosted Ruth; Andy knew him at once.

“Dear me! dear me!” cried the master, querulously, “after seeing us pass to and fro so often, one would not think it necessary to resort to such rudeness.  Pray, good fellow, is not this his Majesty’s highway, and free to all?”

“No,” grumbled the sentinel, lowering his weapon; “what’s your business?”

“Schoolmaster.”

“I do not mean that.  I see you prodding around rocks and weeds with your noses in books, but I want to know what you mean on this road?”

“I desire to take a walk on it.  I have no weapon, I am a peaceful person.  May I pass?”

“You better turn back.  This road is sentineled all the way to camp.  You’re too simple to go alone.  You are an American?”

“Certainly.  Born and bred in the colonies.”

“A rebel?”

“Sir!”

“A rebel, I say?”

“I am loyal to the heart’s core!” the master replied.  “Come, Andy, the way back is doubtless more pleasant for peaceful folk than the way before.  Conjugate to live, Andy.”

Once beyond sight and hearing of the foe, the master bared his head.  “Loyal we are, and we know to whom!  But how long it takes to disarm their doubts!”

CHAPTER IV

THROUGH THE CAVE

That same night, as Andy lay sleeping, a strange sound startled him.  In an instant he was out of bed, and limping toward the window.  Again came the plaintive sound.  It was some one mimicking a night-owl, and doing it very badly, as the boy’s true ear detected at once.

Andy replied, in a much better imitation; then, from out the shrubbery beneath the window, the master stepped forth in the moonlight.  He beckoned to the boy, and then moved back into the shadow of the trees.

Always, with Andy, there was the struggle between the quick, alert mind and will, and the weaker body.  However, with trembling fingers, he dressed as rapidly as possible, gladly remembering that he could reach the ground by the vine, thus saving time, and making sure that his mother would not be disturbed.

In a few moments he was ready.  He dropped his crutch cautiously from the window, and began to descend himself.  The man among the shadows did not move, though his expectant eyes were on the watch.  Andy, keeping well in the shelter of the shade, reached his friend.

“That fellow we met to-day was prowling about the house an hour ago,” whispered the master; “he looked boldly into my window.  I was awake and saw his features distinctly, though I fancy he thought me unconscious.  I saw him leave by the stream path.  He thinks me safe for to-night, but they are suspicious, those Britishers, and you and I must get through the passage to their lines to-night.  I believe something is afoot, and they do not wish to run any chances.  Lead on, Andy McNeal; before break of day I must know all, all that is possible, and be away.”