“For our lives!” almost sobbed the boy.

The oncoming foe once or twice struck a light, but the curving of the passage hid the prey.  However, the sound ahead was enough to guide the Britishers.  Then suddenly the master became wedged, and the leader of the pursuers came so near that Andy fancied he felt his breath.

“I don’t hear the little scamp!” muttered Norton; “perhaps the passage divides.  Wait until I strike a light.”  In that instant the master extricated himself, and with desperate haste the two backed along, while the light flickered, and then went out, much to the dismay of the foe.

“Hurry!” commanded Norton; “I hear him again; don’t fool with the light!” The head man and Andy were not a yard apart now, and the narrowest of the passage was yet to come!

The master realized this, too.  He knew if he were to get wedged again all would be over, and Andy was the one nearest the enemy!  He paused and Andy came in violent contact with him.  The leading Britisher was upon them!  The form behind Andy darted forth an arm of steely muscle, and a terrific blow fell sure and sudden on the face of the British sentinel!

“My God!” screamed the fellow, and “The devil!” echoed from his companion.

“Now!” whispered the master, “this is our last fling!”

It was over at last.  The entrance was gained.  Taking no time to consider how spent Andy was, the master began to pile rocks at the opening.  It took not overlong, for the mouth of the cave was small.

“So!” almost laughed the master in his relief, “before my British friend gets his senses back, the way is barred.  Good!  Here, Andy, lad, give me your hand.  To the house, and to bed.  Ere daybreak I must be well away from here.  They are planning an attack at once, and I know where I can get the plans, methinks.  That fellow saw you, and there is no further chance for me here.”

“You—­you are going?” Andy, leaning on the master and his crutch, was making good headway.  “The man saw only me; surely you can stay in safety.”

“Andy, do you think the fellow thought you dealt that blow?” The clear laugh was stifled.  “No; we are marked men.  But I am on the right course now.  Washington shall soon have the papers he needs.”

“Where do you go?” whispered Andy; “can I not be of use?”

“Not now, my friend, and if we never meet again, Andy McNeal, remember whom we have both served well, and that you have made brighter for me many a weary hour.  I care not what the thoughtless may think of me, but I would have you know that what the future holds of seeming dishonor and shame, I assumed in truest loyalty.

“From what I am to do, others shrank.  I saw but one way, though, God knows, my heart was wrung.  I reserve nothing.  Even what seems my honor I give to my country and Washington!”

The master and Andy stood still in the moonlight, and the two young faces gleamed white and troubled.  “Good-night and farewell.  Thank your mother.”  He was gone.