“In a few days, Crosby was ready.  He had provided himself with a peddlar’s pack, in which he had put a set of shoemaker’s tools.  His design was to go round the country, and work at his trade; and, at the same time, to get such information as might be useful to his employers.”

[Illustration]

“Not long after he set out upon his adventures, he arrived just at evening at a small house, at which he knocked, hoping to procure a night’s lodging.

“It was some time before he was heard.  At length a girl came, and inquired his errand.

“‘I wish for a lodging to-night,’ said Crosby—­’if it may be’—­

“‘I don’t know, sir,’ replied the girl—­’I’ll go and ask mother.’

“The girl soon reappeared, and bade him walk in.  On reaching the kitchen, he made known his wishes, to the mistress of the family.

“’Lodgings! sir—­did you ask for lodgings? we don’t keep lodgings here, sir.’

“‘I suppose not, madam,’ said Crosby, in a kind manner—­’but I am quite fatigued, and thought, perhaps, you would let me stay till morning.’

“’I don’t know but what you may.  The man is gone from home.  There’s such work now-a-days, that a body don’t know nothing what to say or do—­pray, what do you carry in that huge pack?’

“’In this pack, madam? only some shoemaker’s tools.  I am a shoemaker, madam—­perhaps, you have some work for me to do?  I’ll take it off with your leave.’

“’Well, do as you please.  Our John wants a pair of shoes; and perhaps the man of the house will give you the job when he comes home.’

“‘I shall be glad to do it,’ said Crosby.  ’Madam, have you heard the news?’

“‘What news?’

“’Why, that Washington is on the retreat, and that the British army is pursuing him, and likely to overtake him.’

“‘Ah! that’s good news,’ exclaimed the old lady, ’you may stay here to-night.  Sally!  Sally! here get this man some supper—­he brings good news—­I hope the rebels every one will be shot.  Sally!—­make up the best bed.  Here’s a chair—­sit down, sir; and make yourself at home.

“Crosby accordingly took a seat.  Supper was soon ready, and he eat heartily.

“When he had done, he drew his chair to the fire, about which time, the man of the house came in.  He was told the good news by his wife, and Crosby was made welcome.

“The evening was spent in talking about the war, and the prospects of the country.  The host proved himself a firm tory, and wondered that Crosby and every one else should not think and feel precisely as he did.

“‘Have you many of your way of thinking in these parts?’ inquired Crosby.

“‘That we have,’ replied the host—­’more than we shall have a few days hence.’

“‘I hope so,’ whispered Crosby to himself.  ‘But, sir, how so?’ inquired he, with some surprise.

“‘Why,’ replied the host, ’you must know that we’ve a company nearly ready to march.  I guess they’ll go the sooner, now that the British are after Washington.  They’ll wish to get there in time to see some of the fun.’