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The Project Gutenberg EBook of Then
Marched the Brave, by Harriet T. Comstock
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Title: Then Marched the Brave
Author: Harriet T. Comstock
Illustrator: Anna S. Hicks
Release Date: June 30, 2005 [EBook #16156
Language: English
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK
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THEN MARCHED THE BRAVE ***
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Josephine
Paolucci and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
http://www.pgdp.net
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Then Marched the
BraveBy
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Harriet T. Comstock
Author of "When the British Came,
"Molly, the Drummer Boy," etc.
llustrations by Anna S. Hicks
PHILADELPHIA
HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANYBY THE SAME AUTHOR
MOLLY, THE DRUMMER BOY
WHEN THE BRITISH CAME
Fifty cents each
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Copyright, 1904, by Henry Altemus
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"'I CAN SEE NO ONE BUT THE
GENERAL,' JANIE SAID." See
page 133.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER I PAGE
Andy McNeal 13
CHAPTER IIA Stranger in the Night 26
CHAPTER III
The Crowning Of Andy McNeal 43CHAPTER IV
Through the Cave 62
CHAPTER VA Suspicion 74
CHAPTER VI
Then Marched the Brave 88
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CHAPTER VII
Andy Hears a Strange Talk 99
CHAPTER VIII
At Headquarters 118
CHAPTER IX
Peace 130
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ILLUSTRATIONS
"'I can see no one but the
General,' Janie said"Frontispiece
"Andy was at the oars now" 37"'Good day, my pretty
lass!'"51
"Burr ventured a question" 81
"It took all of Andy's
courage to don the female
attire"
113
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THEN MARCHED
THE BRAVE
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CHAPTER I
ANDY McNEAL
t was in the time when the king's men hahings pretty much their own way, and
mystery and plot held full sway, that ther
ived, in a little house near McGown Pas
on the upper end of Manhattan Island, widow and her lame son. She was a tal
gaunt woman of Scotch ancestry, but loya
o the land that had given her a secon
home. She was not a woman of man
opinions, but the few that she held wer
rigid, and not to be trifled with. With al
her might she hated the king, and wit
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equal intensity loved the cause o
freedom. In the depths of her nature ther
was a great feeling of shame an
disappointment that her only son was hopeless cripple, and so could not b
offered as a living sacrifice to the new
cause.
Janie McNeal held it against the good Go
hat she, His faithful servant, must b
denied the glorious opportunity of givin
her best and all, as other mothers werdoing, that the land of the free might b
wrested from cruel tyranny.
To be sure, Andy was but sixteen. Thamattered little to Janie; young as he was
she could have held him in readiness, a
did Hannah of old, until the time claime
himbut his lameness made i
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mpossible. Among all the deeds o
courage, he must stand forever apart!
Poor Janie could not conceive of bravery beyond physical strength. In he
disappointment she looked upon pal
Andy, and she sawshe hated to
acknowledge itbut she saw onlcowardice written upon every line of th
shrinking features! The patient blue eye
avoided her pitying glance. The sensitiv
mouth twitched as the boy listened to heoft-repeated laments. Janie had never see
hose eyes grow steely and keen; she ha
never seen the lips draw into firm lines, o
he slim form stiffen as the boy listened the doings of the king's soldiers. When th
neighbors came with thrilling tales o
daring done by some loved one, Jani
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made some excuse for sending the bo
upon an errand or to bed; the contrast wa
oo bitter.
And Andy, sensitive and keen from
suffering, saw through it all and shrank
not from fear or cowardice, but unselfis
ove, away from the stir and excitemenand his mother's sigh of humiliation. H
ived his life much alone; misunderstood
but silently brave. His chance woul
come. Andy never once doubted that, andhe chance would find him ready.
And so he waited while the summer o
1776 waxed hotter and hotter, and thking's men, drunken with success after th
battle of Long Island, pressed thei
advantage and impudence further, as the
waited to see what the "old fox," meanin
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Washington, meant to do next. What hi
ntentions were, no one, not even his ow
men, seemed to know; he kept them an
himself well out of sight, and the anxioupeople watched and wondered and grew
restless under the strain.
ow upon a certain July night JaniMcNeal and Andy were sitting at thei
humble meal. The door of the cottag
stood open, and the song of evening bird
made tender the quiet scene. Suddenlhurried, yet stealthy, steps startled them
Was it friend or foe?
"'Tis from a secret path, mother,whispered Andy, catching his crutch. He
knew the way the king's men came an
went, and he knew the paths hidden to al
but those who dwelt among them. Hi
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rained ear was never deceived.
"'Tis a neighbor," he murmured; "he
comes down the stream bed."Sure enough, a moment later Parso
White's wife ran in. Her face wa
haggard, and her hands outstretche
mploringly. With keen appreciation o
what might be coming, Janie McNeal pu
her in a chair, and stood guard over he
ike a gaunt sentinel.
"To bed, Andy, child," she commanded
"'tis late and you are pale. To bed!"
Andy took the crutch, and, without a wordimped to the tiny room in the loft above
Boy-like, he was consumed with curiosity
He knew that the speakers, unless the
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whispered, could be overheard, so he la
down upon his hard bed and listened. And
poor Margaret White did not whisper
Once alone with her friend, she poured ouher agony and horror.
"My Sam," she moaned, "he is dead!"
Janie and the listener above started. Fo
hree years Sam White, the erring son o
he good parson, had been a wandere
from his father's home. How, then, had hdied, and where? The news was startling
ndeed.
"Margaret, tell me all!" The firm voic
calmed the grief-stricken mother.
"He was coming home to get our blessing
He heard his country's call, when his ear
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were deaf to all others, and it aroused hi
better nature. He would not join the rank
until he had our blessing and forgiveness
Poor lad! he was coming down the pasast night, not knowing that it wa
sentineled by the enemy. He did no
answer to the command to halt, and the
shot him! Shot him like a dog, giving hino time for explanation or prayer. Oh! m
boy! my boy!"
ever while he lived would Andy forgehat tone of bitter agony.
"He's dead! My boy for whom I hav
watched and waited. Dead! ere he couloffer his brave young life on his country'
altar. Oh! woe is me, woe is me!"
For a moment there was silence, the
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Janie's voice rang out so that Andy could
hear every word.
"As God hears me, Margaret, I woulgladly give my ain useless lad, if by s
doing, yours might be reclaimed fro
death. Your sorrow is one for which there
s no comfort. To have a son to give; tohave him snatched away before th
country claimed him! Aye, woman, you
oad is, indeed, a heavy one. To think o
Andy alive, and your strong man-chilying dead! The ways of God are beyon
finding out. It grieves me sore, Margaret
hat it does. It seems a useless sacrifice
God forgive me for saying it!"
The women were sobbing together. In th
room above, Andy hid his head under th
pillow to shut out the sound. Never, in al
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his lonely life, had he suffered so keenly
Love, pride, hope, went down before th
hard words. In that time of great deeds
when the brave were marching on tvictory or death, he, poor useless cripple
was a disgrace to the mother whom h
oved.
Where could he turn for comfort? H
imped to the window, to cool his fevered
face. He leaned on the sill and looked u
at the stars. They seemed unfriendly nowand yet he and they had kept many a vigi
and they had always seemed lik
comrades in the past. Poor Andy could no
pray; he needed the touch of humasympathy.
All at once he started. There was one, jus
one who would understand. But how
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could he reach her? The women in th
room below barred his exit that way. A
heavy vine clambered over the house, an
ts sturdy branches swayed under Andy'window. No one would miss him, and to
climb down the vine was an easy tas
even for a lame boy.
Cautiously he began the descent, and in
few minutes was on the ground. He ha
managed to carry his crutch under his arm
and now, panting, but triumphant, he wenquickly on. A new courage was rising
within hima courage that often come
with despair and indifference t
consequences. No matter what happenedhe would seek his only friend.
He took to the stream bed. It was quit
dry, and the bushes grew close. No
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prowling Britisher would be likely t
challenge him there. Ah! if poor Sa
White had been as wise. Andy's face grew
paler as he remembered. For a half-milhe pattered on, then the moon, rising clea
and silvery, showed a little house near b
he stream bed and almost hidden b
vines.
Everything about the house was dark an
still. Andy paused and wondered if he had
a right to disturb even his one true friendoiselessly, he drew near, and wen
around to the back of the house. Somethin
startled him.
"Mother!" It was a young, sweet voice
and it came from the shadow of the littl
porch.
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"'Tis I, Ruth!" faltered Andy.
"You, Andy! And why! Have you heard
about our Sam!" The girl came out into thmoonshine. She was tall and strong, an
her face was very pretty.
"Yes; I've heard, Ruth;" then, coming
close, Andy poured out his misery to th
girl who had been his lifelong friend an
comrade.
She listened silently, once raising he
finger and pointing toward the house as i
o warn him against arousing the others
When he had finished there was silence. I
was not Ruth's way to plunge into reply.
"Come," she whispered presently, "I a
going to tell the bees. Hans Brickman tol
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hive." From hive to hive she went, quit
seriously repeating the sentence in sof
murmurings. Andy stood and looked, th
moonlight showing him pale and intent. Aast the deed was done, and Ruth cam
back to him and laid her firm, brown han
upon his shoulder. She was a trifle talle
han he, so she bent to speak.
"Not even your mother knows you as I do
Andy," she said. "She thinks a lame le
can cripple a brave soul; but it cannotWhy, even being a girl could not keep m
back if I saw my chance, and I tell you
Andy, your lameness may serve you well
have been thinking of that. I do nobelieve God ever wastes anything. He ca
use lame boys andeven girls. Sam wa
not wasted. The call made him brave an
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good. He was coming home a new
creature just because he had heard. When
saw him lying dead, shot by those lurkin
cowards, something grew in me here,"she touched her breast. "I have not she
one tear, but I loved him as well as th
others. Somehow I knew that since he ha
been called, it was because he had a woro do, and since he is gone I mean to b
ready to do his work. Andy, I am as strong
as a boy, but" here her eyes sought hi
"I am a girl for all that, but you and
ogether, Andy, can do Sam's work!" The
young voice shook with excitement.
"I, Ruth? Ah! do not shame me." Andy'eyes fell before the shining face.
"Shame you, Andy? I shame youI who
have loved you next best to Sam! Come
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Father has gone to bed, there will be tim
before mother returns. I want you to se
Sam."
With bated breath the two entered th
iving-room of the cottage. The place ha
been made sacred to the young hero wh
was so early called to his rest. Flowereverywhere, and among them Sam la
smiling placidly at his easily won laurels
For the first time Andy gazed upon thface of death. The gentle dignity and peac
of the once wild boy awed and thrilled th
onlooker. He was dressed in hi
Continental uniform that was unsoiled bbattle's breath, albeit, an ugly hole in th
breast showed where the gallant bloo
had flowed forth.
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"It'sit's wonderful!" gasped Andy.
"But we're not going to let him be wasted
are we Andy?" There was a cruel break ihe girl's voice. "We'll do his work, won
we? We'll show the Britishers how we
can repay, won't we, Andy?"
"Yes," breathed the boy, unable to turn hi
eyes from the noble, boyish face, that wa
ighted by the gleam of the one lamp
"we'll show them!"
"See, Andy" (Ruth had gone to a corne
cup-board and brought forth a three
cornered cap), "this is Sam's; I found it i
he bushes. Mother says I may have it.
She placed it upon Andy's head. "It jus
fits!" she exclaimed. "If the time comes
Andy, you shall wear the cap. It will b
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proof that I trust you. You will help if you
can, won't you? Promise" Andy."
"I promise, as God hears me, Ruth."n the stillness the vow sounded awesome
The two clasped hands. All the sting wa
gone. A great resolve to be ready to dare
and die made Andy strong and happy.
"Good-by, Ruth."
"Good-by, Andy, lad."
Out into the still night the boy passed. O
he way back he saw Mrs. White, but h
hid beneath a bush until she had gone byHe reached home, found the door barred
and so painfully reached his room by th
aid of the friendly vine.
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CHAPTER II
A STRANGER IN THE
NIGHT
That was to be a night of experiencesth
beginning, the real beginning of Andy'
ife; all the rest had been preparation
After reaching his room, he flung himsel
wearily upon the bed. How long he slep
he could not know, but he was suddenly
aroused by a sharp knock on the outedoor below stairs. He sat up and listened
All was still except the trickling of a near
by waterfall, which had outlived the dr
weather.
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For a moment Andy thought the knock wa
but part of a troubled dream; he waited
moment, then, to make sure, limped ove
o the stairway and peered down into throom below. A candle stood on the pine
able, and, at a chair near-by, knelt Jani
McNeal, bowed in prayer. She had heard
he knock, but not until the lonely prayewas finished would she rise. That wa
Janie's way.
A second knock, louder than the firstsounded, and with it the woman's solem
"Amen."
"Be not so hasty, stranger," she mutteredas she withdrew the bar; "learn to wait fo
your betters."
The door swung back, and into the di
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ight of the bare room stepped a tall ma
n Continental dress. His hat was in hi
hand, and he bowed before Janie as if sh
were a queen. Andy drew back. No suchstranger had ever visited them before, an
he boy gazed fascinated.
"Pardon me, my good woman," the ricvoice said; "much as I dislike disturbin
you, I fear I must crave a few hours' res
and lodging, and the service of one to row
me across the river ere break of day. have been told that you have a son."
Andy quivered.
"A lodging, sir, is yours and welcome,
Janie replied, motioning the strange
oward a chair and closing the door afte
him. "I ever keep a bed in readiness thes
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roubled times. We are loyal to the cause
and I would serve where I may. I have
son, sir, as you have heard, but, alas! no
one who can be of service. He is cripple. However, rest; you look sadly i
need of it. I will hasten to a neighbor's
mile away, and seek the service yo
desire."
"I regret to cause such trouble, but th
need is urgent. I sympathize with you i
your son's affliction. It must be a sorgrief to the lad to sit apart these stirrin
imes when young blood runs hot, and th
country calls so loudly."
Soon Janie was setting food before th
strangergood brown bread and cream
milk. Andy saw the look of suffering o
her face as she bustled about, and h
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understood. He crept back to bed heavy
hearted. Ruth was wrong; there wa
nothing for him to do.
The hot hours dragged on. Toward
morning Andy grew restless, and quietl
arose and dressed. The feeling of braver
awakened within him, and a dim thoughgrew and assumed shape in his brain. H
could row strong and well. Few knew o
his accomplishment, for his life wa
onely and the exercise and practice habeen one of his few diversions.
He knew a secret path among the rocks
which led to the river, and at the end ohe path was moored his tiny boat, th
rough work of his patient hands. Only Rut
knew of his treasure; often he and she ha
glided away from the hamlet to think thei
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houghts, or dream their young dreams.
ow, if he could arouse the strange
before his mother had summoned anotheo do the service, he might share the joy o
helping, in a small way, the great cause.
"The need is urgent," smiled the boy; "i
hat case a lame fellow might not b
despised."
He recalled the stranger's face, and hi
courage grew.
"Chances are so few!" he muttered; "
must take this one."
At the first rustling of the birds in th
rees, Andy crept down-stairs. Hi
mother's room and the guest-room bot
opened from the living-room, but Janie'
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door was closed, while the stranger's wa
ajar. Through it came the sound of low
spoken words.
"Accept the thanks of thy servant for al
bountiful mercies of the past. Guide hi
future steps. Bless our enemies, and mak
hem just. Amen."
The boy bowed his head, instinctively
Surely he had nothing to fear from such
man. He went nearer and tapped lightly ohe door. Light as was the touch, th
stranger started.
"Come!" There was a welcome in th
word. Andy stepped cautiously inside.
"Good-morning, sir."
"The same to you, my lad." The keen eye
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softened as they fell upon the rude crutch
"How can I serve you!"
"Sir, I have come to offer my services toyou. I heard you tell my mother that yo
needed some one to row you across th
river. I am a good rower."
The man looked puzzled. "You are the
widow's son? Is not the task too great?"
"My lameness does not hinder much. I us
he crutch mainly to hasten my steps; I ca
walk without it. I am very strong in othe
ways. I think I am just beginning to fin
out how strong I am, myself. None know
he woods better than I. I can take you by
short cut to the river, and I have my ow
boat moored and ready. It will be a smal
matter to reach the opposite shore b
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sunrise if we start at once." Andy wa
panting with excitement. "Pray, sir, let me
do this; there are so few chances for suc
as I."
The listener smiled kindly.
"You are just the guide I need," he said
and Andy knew there was no flattery in th
words. "I must leave it for you to than
your good mother for her hospitality.
have been ready for an hour. Lead on, mboy!"
Silently they stole from the house. Th
birds twittered as they passed, for the tal
man touched the lower boughs an
disturbed the nestlings.
"Bend low," whispered Andy, "the way
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eads through small spaces."
On they went, sometimes creeping unde
he hanging rocks, always clinging to thshelter of trees and bushes. They bot
knew the danger that might lie near in th
form of a British sentinel.
"The path seems untrodden by foot o
man," murmured the stranger, pausing to
draw in a long breath. "You are a
wonderful guide."
"I think no one else knows the way," Andy
whispered, proudly; "an Indian showed i
o me when I was a child. He was m
good friend, he taught me also to row, and
shoot with both arrow and gun. He said
should know Indian tricks because of m
ameness. They might help where strengt
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failed. He showed me how to creep
noiselessly and find paths. I have trails al
over the woods. There is one that lead
right among the Britishers; and they neveknow. I do this for sport."
The stranger looked sharply at the glidin
form ahead.
"Paths such as this all over the woods?
he repeated. "And have you kept thisthi
sport secret?"
"That I have!" laughed Andy. "I tell you
now because you are upon your country'
service. I trust you, and I thought perhap
t might help sometime." The two move
forward for a moment in silence, the
Andy laughed in a half-confused way.
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"A boy gets lonely at times," he said; "h
must do something to while away theth
years. I have practiced and made believ
until I am a pretty good Indian. I makbelieve that I am guiding the grea
Washington. They do say he eve
remembers a favor. I should love to serv
him. Had I been like other boys" thvoice broke"I would have been as nea
him as possible by this time!"
The hand of the stranger was upon thyouth's shoulder. Andy turned in alarm.
"You have a secret which may save you
country much!" breathed the deep voice"guard it with your life. But if one come
from Washington seeking your aid, do
whatever he asks, fearlessly."
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"How would I know such an one?" gaspe
Andy.
"That will I tell you later." Again theforward tramp.
"And you have passed, unnoticed, th
British line! 'Tis a joke almost beyond
belief!" chuckled the stranger. "I should
ike to see my Lord Howe's face were h
o hear this."
"Oh! be silent, sir!" cautioned the guide
"we come to an open space."
Once again beneath the heavy boughs, th
boy said:
"I passed the line but yesterday. And
heard that which has troubled me, sorely
yet I could do nothing. But" here Andy
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paused and turned sharply"bend down
Should you know Washington were you to
see him?"
"Aye, lad." The two heads were pressed
close.
"Would you bear a message, and try to
find him?"
"Aye."
"They are planning an attack. I could nohear when or where, for the men move
past. As they came back, and passed
where I was hidden, I heard them say tha
hey who are near Washington had best beon watch, poison in the food made no suc
noise as a gunbut it would serve!"
"You heard that?" almost moaned the
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istener. "My God! could they plan such
cowardly thing?"
"Aye, sir. I am thinking they can. I wouldwarn the General if I could, but you ma
be luckier. The men said Lord How
desired the death of every rebel."
"May heaven forgive him!" The words fel
sadly from the strong lips.
"And now," again Andy took the lead, "do
not speak as we pass here. It is the spo
where they shot our pastor's boy, only two
days ago. I fear the place. A few rod
beyond, we will again strike the thicke
and be under cover until we reach th
river."
The solemn quiet that precedes a ho
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summer dawn surrounded the man an
boy. The red band broadened in the east
The birds, fearing neither friend nor foe
began to challenge the stillness with theiglad notes, and so guide and followe
passed the gruesome place where youn
Sam White gave up his untried life a few
short days ago. The thicket gained, the twpaused for breath.
"We must not talk in the boat, sir." They
had reached the moored boat now. "Praell me how I am to know our General'
messenger."
"By this." The stranger detached a charfrom a hidden chain and held it in his pal
so that the clearer light fell upon it. "
command you to learn its peculiaritie
well. There must be no blunder."
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"ANDY WAS AT THE OARS
NOW."
"We shall meet againcomrade!Washington was smiling and the mis
passed. "Never fear death, lad, if you ar
doing your duty; it comes but once. Row
swiftly. Day is breaking. A messengewith a horse awaits me on the furthe
shore. Head for Point of Cedars."
"Good-by, sir; I shall never fear anythinagainafter this, I think. Good-by!" And
was at the oars now. He handled them lik
he master that he was. The old Indian ha
aught well, and the apt pupil had beemaking ready against this day and chance.
While Andy kept Point of Cedars in view
he saw, also, the noble figure in the stern
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The keen eyes kept smiling in kindl
fashion, while the firm lips kept thei
accustomed silence. To Andy, the future
was as rosy as the dawn, and he wonderehat he had ever been depressed an
afraid.
"Death comes but once!" kept ringing ihis thoughts; "it shall find me doing m
duty. God and Washington forever!" The
song of the times had found a resting-plac
n Andy McNeal's heart at last.
Point of Cedars was safely reached. Th
general stepped upon the pebbly beach
Almost at once, from among the bushesappeared a young man in ragge
Continental uniform, leading a large
white horse.
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Without a word Washington mounted
nodded his thanks to the messenger, and
final farewell to Andy, then he, followed
by his newer guide, faded from sighamong the forest-trees. Standin
bareheaded and alone upon the shore
Andy watched until the last sound of th
hoof-beats died away, then, with a sigh ohope and memory mingled, he retraced hi
way.
Janie McNeal greeted her son at the doorway. "Andy!" she cried, "our guest i
gone!" She quite forgot that Andy
presumably, knew nothing of the guest
"He desired a lad to row him across thriver. I was going to neighbor Jones's a
early dawn to summon James. I shoul
have gone last night, but I was sore tired
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When I arose this morning, the strange
was gone. God forgive me!
"The poor gentleman must have thought ma heedless body. I trust he will not thin
me in league with the Britishers; there i
much of that sort of thing going on." Jani
shook her head dolefully, not heedinAndy's smile.
"How do we know," she went on, "but tha
he gentleman was on the greaWashington's business? He was an
overgrand body himself, and had excellen
manners."
"Mother!" the old hesitating tone crep
back unconsciously into Andy's voice a
he faced his mother; "mother, I rowed th
stranger across the river, he issafel
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anded. ItwasitwasWashington
himself!"
"Andy!" Janie flung up her hands, annearly fell from the step; "think, lad, o
your words. You look and talk clean daft.
"ItwasWashington!" The boy drew
he words out with a delicious memory.
"Andyourowedhimacross! You
mypoorlame lad! God have merc
upon me, and forgive me for my doubts!"
"I can help a little, mother." Andy drew
near the quivering figure. "I know, mother
and I do not wonder, but there is a placfor every one in these days, and I'm goin
o be ready."
Janie drew herself up, and put a tremblin
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hand on the young shoulder. "Son!" sh
said, with a sudden but intense pride
"son, get ready, we go to Sam White'
burying, you and I. God be praised! blinas I was, He has opened my eyes to se
my son at last!" This was a great deal fo
Janie McNeal to say, but it did its work.
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CHAPTER III
THE CROWNING OF ANDY
McNEAL
Sam White's burial was a very simpl
affair. In that time of need and anxiety me
were off upon their country's business
Few could stay to mourn. The pasto
himself read the simple service in a voic
of pride, broken by a father's grief. H
said that God would not let the sacrificpass unheeded. Since Sam had heard th
call, and then had been so suddenly take
away, another would be raised up to do
his work; another who, through Sam, migh
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be touched more than in any other way.
Andy, standing in the little group about th
open grave, at this raised his eyes, and hfound Ruth's wide, tearless gaze fixe
upon him. Andy smiled bravely back a
her, for his heart was strong within him.
After it was over and the few neighbor
gone, Andy and Ruth remained to scatte
flowers upon the young hero's bed, an
cover up the bareness of the place.
"Ruth," said Andy in a whisper, "I think
my chance has come!"
"Your chance, Andy?"
"Aye. I have been thinking that Sam'
being taken has aroused me, and given m
courage, just as your father said, andan
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ast night the chance began!" Then he tol
her of much that had occurred. Ruth knel
among the flowers, her young fac
glowing.
"Oh! I shall have some one to watch," sh
panted, "some one to help while he works
Oh! Andy, you do not know how I long tohelp, and be part of this great time. I go o
ong walks, and I hear and see so much
Down on the Bowery I heard a group sa
he other day that General Washington wagoing to burn the town and order th
people to flee. One man said, did he orde
such a thing, he, for one, would go over t
he British; and, Andy, there was a greashout from the other men! I felt my hear
burn, for did our General order me to go
hen would I go whither and where h
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ordered; nor would I question, so great i
my trust in him. And did he burn all, even
my home, yet would I gladly obey, for
would know he was doing wisely. Sogreatly do I honor him that I think, next t
God, I trust our General!"
The young face glowed and quivered, anAndy, with the spirit of hero-worship
growing upon his recent experiences
panted in excitement as she spoke.
"I, too, would follow, and neve
question," he said. "Never fear, Ruth
what the General expects of me, that will
do. Not even death do I fearit comes buonce!" The boyish voice rang clear.
Suddenly, Ruth started toward the house
"Wait," she said, "I have something fo
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you." She was back in a moment, bearin
Sam's cap. "The time has come," sh
faltered, and there were tears in her eyes
"II want to crown you, Andy McNeal.She removed Andy's rough cap and
replaced it with Sam's.
"I'll keep the old one," she said, "andand if you should fail to do bravely, yo
can have your own!" Then she dashe
away the tears. "Forgive me, And
McNeal!" she sobbed; "you will nevefail. There is hero blood in your body,
know, and it may be that your lamenes
will aid you in accomplishing tasks that
usty lad could never attempt."
Andy raised his head proudly and the new
crown set not badly on his boyish curls.
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"I must go," he breathed. "I will com
every day unlessyou know, Ruth?"
The girl nodded, and so they partesilently, Ruth pressing the old hat to he
aching heart, and taking up the woman'
part in those troubling times; the part o
he watching, waiting one.
The days following became filled wit
one longing for Andy. The longing fo
Washington's messenger. Unless he camesoon, the boy feared that he would be to
ate. During his own recent exploration
beyond the lines, he heard much tha
warned him that the British were planninsomething of grave importance.
Andy had told his mother and Ruth nothin
of Washington's anticipated messenger
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They knew merely that Andy had ferried
he great General across the riverwa
hat not enough? Had they known for wha
he boy was eagerly watching, they coulnot have done their own daily tasks.
"He has an eager, watchful air," Janie
confided to Ruth. "I am thinking the laexpects the General to pass this wa
again. Lightning andsuch happenings d
not strike twice in the same spot."
Ruth smiled gently. "I do not think Andy
walks as lame as he did," she mused
watching the boy disappearing down
woody path.
"He is always on the go," Janie broke in
"He practices walking without his crutc
more than I think wise; but one can d
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ittle with men-folk!" Janie tossed he
head proudly. Andy was a growing deligh
o her.
"It may do him good," Ruth added; "h
ooks stronger andand gladder."
"He has gone beyond me," the mothe
sighed. "II begin to know, lass, th
happy feeling a mother has when her hear
aches with loneliness andand pride
What ails you, lass?" For Ruth had starteand given a short cry.
"Whywhy" laughed the girl, "I a
hinking my eyes are playing me false.
was watching Andy up the path, and I saw
him as clear as I see you this minutean
hen he was gone!"
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"Do not get flighty, Ruth." Janie cam
close, however, and peered up the path
"You and Andy will drive me daft. The
path is a straight, clean one; had Andbeen on it, he would still be in sight. I'
hinking he turned before he came to th
brook bed. You did not notice, but you
houghts kept agoing on."
"Perhaps," nodded Ruth, but Janie knew
she was unconvinced.
On her way home soon after, Ruth began
o ponder. Once clear of Janie's observan
eye, the girl turned back through th
shrubbery, and ran to the spot where shhad last seen Andy. All was as silent as a
breathless summer day could make i
There was no side-path; no broken bushes
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"He washere," breathed the girl, "and h
disappeared like a flash!"
Then she knelt down and tried to tracfootprints in the mossy earth. "Ah!" sh
smiled, for there was a crushed space a
he edge of a brambly cluster of bushes
She quietly drew aside the branches, and ook of wonder grew in the bright eyes. S
cunningly concealed, that even her native
bred keenness might never have espied i
ay a path, and among the bushes, Andy'crutch! Should she follow? In the old day
Ruth would not have paused. But thes
were not play-days; Andy might be upo
grave business. Reverently she drew backand replaced the disorder she had cause
among the parted leaves. Suddenly a step
startled her. She turned sharply. Up the
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path came a British soldier, whistling
gay tune and eyeing her boldly.
More than once had Ruth encounterehese most ungallant gentlemen, and sh
was alert at resenting any familiarity, but
fear grew in her heart now. Andy's path
must not be discovered! She must do hepart.
"Good-day, my pretty lass!" The ma
halted. Under ordinary circumstances Rutwould have taken to her fleet feet at this
but Andy might return too soon, and
emerge while yet the enemy coul
discover him.
"Berrying?" grinned the fellow; "August i
early for berries, is it not? The man wa
suspicious, perhaps, and Ruth was o
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guard.
"For some kinds," she answered, lightly.
"What kind are you hunting?"
"One that you British do not know," sh
replied; "it's a kind that grows only i
America and thrives upon freedom."
The soldier leered unpleasantly. "Come,
will help you hunt," he cried; "if we find
berry I cannot name, you may ask whareward you choose, and if I succeed the
will I take a kiss from your red lips, eh
my girl?"
Ruth darted an angry look upward. If the
hunted, the cane would be discovered, an
yet if she refusedwell, she must ac
quickly.
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"Is it a bargain?"
"Yes;" the word came bravely from a
rembling courage.
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"'GOOD DAY, MY PRETTY
LASS.'"
The two knelt and began the search. Rutpressed the bushes so as to cover Andy'
cane, but as her keen eyes fell upon th
spot where it had been, to her surprise an
oy, she saw that it was gone!
A cry broke from her, for, as she realized
hat that danger was past, she saw, near a
hand, a plant so rare even to her woodlaneyes, that it was precious. Thanks to he
earned father, she knew its name, and th
spray of waxen berries was her salvation
"See!" she cried, "you have brought goo
uck. 'Tis a rare find. Now I pray you, sir
name the berry I hold in my hand."
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The man was searching the underbrush
and turned half angrily. "What have you?
he snarled. Ruth knew that Andy was near
but no breath was heard.
"Name the berry, sir, or I claim my
advantage!" Ruth stood upright with th
spray in her hand.
"Wintergreen," ventured the fellow
wildly.
"Wrong!" sneered Ruth, "and there is no
second trial."
"How can you prove me wrong?" jeere
he man, coming insolently close; "who io decide?"
"Your head officer, sir," flashed Ruth
"lead on, I will gladly leave it to him
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After he has heard the tale from mefro
me, markI will leave it to him. Perhap
here is one gentleman in the king's troops
Lead on! Why stand staring when youstake is so high!" A dignity and
fearlessness came to the angry girl.
"Do you lead, or shall I?" she asked.
"II beg your pardon!" cringed th
fellow, "I will abide by your decision."
"Go, then!" cried Ruth, her tempe
breaking bounds, "and if you are a sampl
of my Lord Howe's men, I am thinking ou
General will have but a short tussle. Go!"
The man retraced his steps, sulkily. H
had been foraging on his own account, an
had unearthed bigger game than he coul
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manage.
Ruth watched the man until he passed fro
sight. As she turned about she faced Andysitting among the bushes. She jumped, the
aughed nervously.
"How did you get your cane?" she asked.
"I was not six feet away." Andy's voice
was strangely calm. "I hope you know
Ruth," he faltered, 'that had things turne
out differently, I would have been with
you. You know that?"
"Yes, Andy." A flush came to the pale
face. "I think I feared you would commore than anything else. But I do not trus
hat fellow. He will come back. I know h
was suspicious. Choose another way
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next time!"
"Aye, and I'll stop up this trail. Good-by
Ruth. Hurry, I will wait until you are safeand this passage made harmless."
For a few days longer Andy remained
near home, not caring to run the risk o
seeking the longer path of which he knew
while the Britisher's suspicions might stil
be alert. Once or twice he had met th
fellow on the public highway, and hfeared to arouse any further cause fo
watchfulness. He had discovered, also
hat the man had gone back to the spo
where he had encountered Ruth, but Andaughed, when he recalled how cunningl
he had hidden the trail. But now the bo
could wait no longer, he must try to ge
near the lines and listen.
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Taking the longer way, he left his crutch
hidden inside a cave-like opening. H
would never again trust the outside. The
n true Indian fashion he crept alonhrough the rocky passage. He reached th
other end and for an hour or more waite
patiently, but only the passing of a lonel
sentinel rewarded him, and he guessehat no news would come that way.
He dared not emerge from his shelter, fo
he day was too bright and clear, thsentinel would surely spy him, and bette
no news than to give away the secret o
he passage. Disappointedly he crept back
and at the other end put his hancautiously forth to grasp his crutch. The
he became instantly aware that he wa
discovered, for his hand was grasped in
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firm, unyielding clutch.
Andy's heart stood still. He had no doub
but that Ruth's annoyer had dogged histeps and had captured him. But there wa
ittle of the coward about Andy; he would
face the worst. He pushed through th
angle of leaves, trying to free his handbut the clasp was like iron. The capto
was not the Britisher, but a man of quit
another sort. He was young, handsome
splendidly formed. As he lay at full lengtupon the moss Andy thought he had neve
seen so tall a man. He wore velvet knee
breeches, long blue coat, and a wide
brimmed hat, which shielded a pair ofriendly, laughing eyes. One glance and
Andy lost all fear.
"Now that you have come from your hole
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you young mole, good-morning to you, an
where have you fared?" The voice wa
ringing and full of cheer.
"Good-morning, sir," Andy made answer.
"And where have you fared?"
"That I cannot tell you, sir."
"You cannot tell me!" the man sighed
mpatiently. "Now, do you know, for a
moment I fancied that you were just thad who could guide me over you
nteresting island. What with all thi
excitement, a peaceful traveler has n
show above-ground. I hoped you mighead me mole-fashion."
"I will gladly show you through the pass
sir, as far as the gate a mile or so below."
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"As far as the gate! Always as far a
something! I want to go beyond'as far
What care I for countersigns an
passports. I want the freedom of thsland, and a chance to study its rocks an
flowers and very interesting weeds. Boy
often know paths unknown to any one els
except Indians!"
"But I am a lame boy much dependen
upon a crutch."
"You can dispense with it at times,
aughed the stranger. "For a good two
hours you did without it to-day. It and
have been keeping company. I followedyou at a distance, thinking easily t
overtake you, when piff! you were gone
and I and the crutchfor you see
searched the holewere alone!"
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For some moments Andy's hand had bee
free, and now as he looked at the speake
he saw that he was holding in his ope
palm the charm which last he had behelhat glorious morning by the riverside.
With a glad cry he sprang up. "I am Andy
McNeal!" he said, and he doffed Sam'hat, which was his only martia
possession.
"And Iam the schoolmaster!"
The two clasped hands. That was th
beginning. Through the following days th
master abode in Janie's house. The goo
woman asked no questions. Her curiosit
burned and burned, but wisdom held it i
check. Enough that Andy was th
companion of this mighty person. Enoug
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hat her humble roof sheltered him, an
her able hands served him faithfully. I
was wonderful, andenough. Ruth, too
hrobbed with excitement, but went heways calmly as if it were a commo
enough thing for a splendid schoolmaste
o suddenly undertake Andy's neglected
education, and pay for his lodging anboard by instructing the hostess's son.
This was what was going on. Book i
hand the two walked abroad quite openlySometimes it would be rocks or flower
hey were bent upon understanding, a
other times the intricacies of the Englis
anguage were the paths they followedOccasionally Ruth would be asked to joi
n the walks and talks, but oftener the
were alone. There were real lessons
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Andy pondered upon them deeply, and hi
hungry mind fed upon the feast. Of course
so fine a master walking abroad with th
ame boy, aroused the notice of thsentinels, but to their questions h
answered so glibly, that there remained
nothing to do but ask more. The gam
became tiresome.
The tutor and his pupil kept withi
bounds, so there was no excuse fo
nterference. But one day, quite lost iabstraction, the two passed beyond th
gate at the end of the pass, and strolle
down the road patroled by the British
Suddenly a loud "Halt!" made Andy jumpA look of surprise passed over th
master's face as a bayonet was thrust i
front of him.
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The soldier was the one who had accoste
Ruth; Andy knew him at once.
"Dear me! dear me!" cried the masterquerulously, "after seeing us pass to and
fro so often, one would not think i
necessary to resort to such rudeness. Pray
good fellow, is not this his Majesty'highway, and free to all?"
"No," grumbled the sentinel, lowering hi
weapon; "what's your business?"
"Schoolmaster."
"I do not mean that. I see you proddin
around rocks and weeds with your nosen books, but I want to know what yo
mean on this road?"
"I desire to take a walk on it. I have n
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weapon, I am a peaceful person. May
pass?"
"You better turn back. This road isentineled all the way to camp. You're too
simple to go alone. You are an
American?"
"Certainly. Born and bred in th
colonies."
"A rebel?"
"Sir!"
"A rebel, I say?"
"I am loyal to the heart's core!" the maste
replied. "Come, Andy, the way back i
doubtless more pleasant for peaceful fol
han the way before. Conjugate to live
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Andy."
Once beyond sight and hearing of the foe
he master bared his head. "Loyal we areand we know to whom! But how long i
akes to disarm their doubts!"
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CHAPTER IV
THROUGH THE CAVE
That same night, as Andy lay sleeping, strange sound startled him. In an instant h
was out of bed, and limping toward th
window. Again came the plaintive sound
t was some one mimicking a night-owand doing it very badly, as the boy's tru
ear detected at once.
Andy replied, in a much better imitationhen, from out the shrubbery beneath th
window, the master stepped forth in th
moonlight. He beckoned to the boy, and
hen moved back into the shadow of th
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rees.
Always, with Andy, there was the struggle
between the quick, alert mind and willand the weaker body. However, with
rembling fingers, he dressed as rapidly a
possible, gladly remembering that h
could reach the ground by the vine, thusaving time, and making sure that hi
mother would not be disturbed.
n a few moments he was ready. Hdropped his crutch cautiously from th
window, and began to descend himself
The man among the shadows did no
move, though his expectant eyes were ohe watch. Andy, keeping well in the
shelter of the shade, reached his friend.
"That fellow we met to-day was prowlin
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about the house an hour ago," whispere
he master; "he looked boldly into m
window. I was awake and saw hi
features distinctly, though I fancy hhought me unconscious. I saw him leav
by the stream path. He thinks me safe fo
o-night, but they are suspicious, thos
Britishers, and you and I must get throughe passage to their lines to-night.
believe something is afoot, and they do no
wish to run any chances. Lead on, Andy
McNeal; before break of day I must know
all, all that is possible, and be away."
"Follow!" said Andy, trembling with
excitement, but losing no time. Down upoha nd s and knees they went, and n
creatures of the wood and night coul
have been more silent.
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"All's well!" came from a far-off sentry
and the man and boy breathed quicker. A
moment of rest at the opening of the cave
ike path where Andy and the master hadfirst met, then into the narrow gloo
oward the danger line.
"The way is narrow," whispered Andy"but it leads out just behind the Britis
ents."
"Ah! for Vulcan's hammer!" laughed thmaster softly; "I'd hew me a broader path
Andy. The width of me suffers sorely fo
he cause." Andy smiled in the darkness
The mirth in the master's voice gavcourage.
"It is broader further on," encouraged th
guide.
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"God be praised for that!" groaned th
man as he came in contact again with th
rocks.
The crutch had been left at the entrance
well hidden. Hands and knees were al
hat were needed on that journey. Once
slimy creature crawled across the master'hand, and he uttered an exclamation.
"Don't do that again!" breathed Andy, in
alarm.
The minutes seemed endless, and th
progress very slow. The darkness was so
ntense that it was something of a shock t
he master when he suddenly becam
aware that he could see the outline of hi
guide's body. There was a small openin
ahead, and a gleam of moonlight shot in
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either spoke. If the British sentry wa
beyond there was every need of stillnes
now.
"I hear steps!" said Andy in a breath
"listen!"
The duller ear of the master heard n
sound for a moment, then slowly an
alarmingly near, he didcatch the sound o
he measured tread of a soldier, and, fro
he opposite direction evidently, a secondman. Near the opening the two met.
"Fine night, Martin; everything quiet?"
"Quiet? Lord, yes! If something does nohappen soon, I swear I'll cut and run. I
wouldn't take a great deal to make me quit
The pluck of the rebels rather tickles me
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've half a mind to toss my luck amon
hem, and stand or fall with the colonies."
"Better change your mind," laughed thother; "something's going to happen an
hat pretty quick."
"Is that hearsay, Norton, or authentic? I'v
ust come into camp. I've been having
picnic over on Long Islandraiding farm
and doing a lot of dirty work that sicken
me. Clean fighting is what I set out to doand gad! this kind of thing turns a fellow'
stomach. We've been fed on the talk tha
hese rebels are cowards. Cowards, bah
And as for that big, silent general oheirs, hehe rather appeals to me!"
"Don't be white-livered, Martin!" sneere
orton. "You may get some cold stee
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from your own countrymen for utterin
such sentiments. My information is al
right, it comes from his lordship himself
Washington is too dangerous to leaveonger alone; should he find outwha
was that?"
The master, less a child of the woods thaAndy, in his excitement had tried to creep
closer, and the quick ear of the sentine
had noticed the sound.
"It is this accursed spot again!" muttere
orton; "twice lately I could have sworn
heard breathing among the bushes. I'v
beaten every inch of ground, and not iving creature have I found. I'm no
squirmish, and a rebel now and then don
count, butwell, you know I brought tha
parson's cub down a bit further back
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Lord! how the fellow strutted, and when
called to him he started like a stuck pig.
cannot forget the look on his face asas
fired.
"I'm agreeing with you, Martin, clea
fighting or nothing. I'm not up to thi
slaughtering of infants myself. I halexpect to see that baby playing in th
moonlight every time a leaf rustles a
night." The man laughed uneasily. "Once
fancied I saw a facea pale boy-faceshining in the bushes. Lord, it gave me
urn!"
"Could there be a secret passage?" askeMartin in a low voice. "A fellow named
Godkin told me an hour ago that he had hi
eye on a lame chap and a gawk of
schoolmaster who were always skulkin
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around close to the ground. He says th
boy lives hereabouts and knows th
woods like a snake."
"No fool rebel could keep such a secre
from me. Godkin likes to talk an
swagger. He feels his oats. Come, just to
pass the time, let's beat the bushes."
"Back out!" breathed Andy. There was no
ime to be lost. But the backwar
movement was most painfully slow. Thmen tramping in the bushes, feeling th
hing but child-play, laughed and talked
oudly.
"How many men has the old fox!" aske
Martin, giving a cut to the bushes with hi
gun.
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"Twelve thousand, though he gives ou
many more."
"He's got grit," rejoined Martin, "with mord gripping his throat at close quarter
with double that number at his heels, t
stand still and calm asas this rock! Gad
nearly broke my gun! This land producemore rocks than anything else. I hear
Washington is planning to get on Long
sland again."
"He'll never get there. My Lord Howe
what in thunder!" Norton had slipped an
fallen, and as he lay so, his face was on
evel with the opening in the rocks!
"Come here!" he gasped. "Got a light
There's a hole here."
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Martin struck a light and peered in. As h
did so Andy's white, horrified fac
gleamed forth from the shadow. Without a
word the head was withdrawn, and botAndy and the master knew that the man, o
both men, would follow at once.
"They are big!" moaned Andy, "and theydo not know the way as we do. Oh
hurry!"
The master feared that the sentinel woulfire into the cave, but as the momen
passed, and he did not, he took heart, an
crept backward as fast as he could. The
came the sure sound of the chase. One oboth had entered the passage! They ha
his advantage; they could come straigh
on, while the pursued were goin
backward, the master, being the bulkie
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and more uncertain, barring Andy'
smaller body.
"For our lives!" almost sobbed the boy.The oncoming foe once or twice struck
ight, but the curving of the passage hid th
prey. However, the sound ahead wa
enough to guide the Britishers. The
suddenly the master became wedged, an
he leader of the pursuers came so nea
hat Andy fancied he felt his breath.
"I don't hear the little scamp!" muttere
orton; "perhaps the passage divides
Wait until I strike a light." In that instan
he master extricated himself, and wit
desperate haste the two backed along
while the light flickered, and then wen
out, much to the dismay of the foe.
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"Hurry!" commanded Norton; "I hear hi
again; don't fool with the light!" The hea
man and Andy were not a yard apart now
and the narrowest of the passage was yeo come!
The master realized this, too. He knew i
he were to get wedged again all would bover, and Andy was the one nearest the
enemy! He paused and Andy came i
violent contact with him. The leadin
Britisher was upon them! The form behinAndy darted forth an arm of steely muscle
and a terrific blow fell sure and sudden o
he face of the British sentinel!
"My God!" screamed the fellow, and "Th
devil!" echoed from his companion.
"Now!" whispered the master, "this is ou
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ast fling!"
t was over at last. The entrance wa
gained. Taking no time to consider howspent Andy was, the master began to pil
rocks at the opening. It took not overlong
for the mouth of the cave was small.
"So!" almost laughed the master in hi
relief, "before my British friend gets hi
senses back, the way is barred. Good
Here, Andy, lad, give me your hand. Tohe house, and to bed. Ere daybreak I mus
be well away from here. They ar
planning an attack at once, and I know
where I can get the plans, methinks. Thafellow saw you, and there is no furthe
chance for me here."
"Youyou are going?" Andy, leaning on
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he master and his crutch, was makin
good headway. "The man saw only me
surely you can stay in safety."
"Andy, do you think the fellow thought yo
dealt that blow?" The clear laugh wa
stifled. "No; we are marked men. But I a
on the right course now. Washington shalsoon 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 mee
again, Andy McNeal, remember whom w
have both served well, and that you hav
made brighter for me many a weary hour.
care not what the thoughtless may think o
me, but I would have you know that wha
he future holds of seeming dishonor an
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shame, I assumed in truest loyalty.
"From what I am to do, others shrank.
saw but one way, though, God knows, mheart was wrung. I reserve nothing. Eve
what seems my honor I give to my countr
and Washington!"
The master and Andy stood still in th
moonlight, and the two young face
gleamed white and troubled. "Good-nigh
and farewell. Thank your mother." He wagone.
Andy painfully and slowly climbed th
stairs and entered his bedroom.
His heart was very heavy. He had seemed
on the verge of doing a great service, an
behold, the chance had fled.
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CHAPTER V
A SUSPICION
September dragged wretchedly. Therwas no need of stealing among the bushe
for news or amusement.
ndeed, Andy wisely concluded that tokeep to the open, innocent ways would b
he only possible thing that could help th
absent master.
He missed the lessons and the excitin
comradeship, too; the contrast wa
painful. Janie saw, but questioned not. I
was all beyond her. Ruth was the onl
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relief.
"Fear not, Andy," she would say. "You
must bide your time, and wait patientlyTis what Washington is doing. Copy your
General in this, as well as other things
One may serve in that way as well as i
others. You should hear the tales HansBrickman tells of the doings in the patrio
camp. He carries eggs and honey, yo
know.
"He says that Washington isn't just fighting
or holding in check the king's men; but hi
own troops are acting shamefully
hreatening to desert, and begging fomoney; complaining all day long. Oh! if
were a soldier I would show them!" Th
girl flung her strong young arms above he
head, and brought down her clenched fist
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n a laughably vehement way.
"And there sits that great General, neve
flinching, but writing to Congress to pahe babies; and calming the tyrants wit
one breath, and shaming them int
obedience with the next.
"Hans says he dashes at them sometime
with his sword, and slaps the raw recruit
nto shape, telling them that if they ru
when he orders them to advance, he'lshoot them himself. There's a man fo
you!"
"Indeed there is a man," nodded Andy, an
his face grew brighter. "And I should cry
shame to myself because I am so impatien
of this lameness which holds me back."
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"Holds you back! Andy McNeal, that i
rank ingratitude. You've been up to some
mighty doings, that I know, or you would
not be hungering for more glory. Oh, I cansee a bit ahead of my nose. Time wa
when you hung around, not knowing glor
because it had not come your way. You've
asted it, Andy, and your thirst grows. know a thing or two. You're getting strong
oo, Andy; you're an inch taller than I
Father mentioned the fact this ver
morning. You're taking on airs, bu
remember, I knew you when you were les
a man. Have a care; a woman has
ongue. I'll be calling you down if yocarry things with too high a hand."
Andy laughed and stood straighter. Then
very quietly:
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"Andy, what was the master's name?"
"Ruth, I do not know."
"Do not, or will not tell?"
"I do not know."
"Can you tell me why he stayed here?"
"I cannot tell you, Ruth. Why do you ask?
The girl paused and dropped her clea
eyes."They do say, the whisper has reached my
father, that he was a spy, andand a
dangerous one!"
"They lie!" said Andy, hotly; "he, a spy!
Then the boyish voice fell. The last, sa
alk under the stars came clearly back, an
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n the shock of the memory the bo
rembled.
Ruth watched him closely. "I'm not overcurious," she faltered, "but I fear for you
f heif he were a spy you were see
with him far too often for your good
Father even feared for me."
"Ruth" (Andy's voice had a new tone), "
can believe no dishonor of the master, and
am proud that I walked with him and wahis friend!"
"Aye" (Ruth looked doubtful), "but a spy
s not a good thing, Andy, no matter wha
shape it takes."
Old, rigid training held them both, bu
Andy must defend his friend, though th
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honest soul of Ruth shone from her eyes
and challenged him.
"It is as a thing is used," he began, lamelybut seeing his way dimly.
"Father does not preach that," Ruth brok
n.
"No; nor would I preach it," sighed Andy.
"But you would act it?" Ruth flashed.
"I donot know. I cannot think the maste
was aught but honest. If he werewer
" Andy could not use the hard word
"if he were finding things out, you mabe sure, Ruth, it was not for his ow
uplifting. If he gave what other men woul
callwould call their honorit wa
because he held not even that from hi
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country. I canseehowthat could
be!"
Ruth raised her eyes. "Could you, Andy?she said.
"Yes. I could give it as I could my life.
would take no recompense, I would jus
give, and do anything. Ruth, suppose yo
knew a truth aboutaboutwell, abou
me; a truth that, if it were known, woul
be the death of me. Would you tell, orowould you save me?"
t was a rigid moment for the stern littl
maid. Her eyes fell, then were raise
again.
"Idonotknow," she panted, "but
ie is a lie, and I should expect to b
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punished."
"So should I for any dishonorable thing,
agreed Andy. "That is just it, but it wouldbe my willingness to do it, and then t
suffer, that makes the difference."
The two were standing near the end of th
Pass at a small gate, and as Andy ceased
speaking a sound smote their ears tha
urned them pale. It was the sound of man
horsemen galloping wildly onward.
"The king's men landed at Kip's Bay thi
morning," gasped Andy, clutching the gate
"and they do say that Douglass's men ar
not strong enough to defend the point."
t was Putnam's five brigades; the boy an
girl only knew they were patriot troops
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They had been ordered by Washington to
make for Manhattanville before retrea
was cut off.
Young Aaron Burr was acting as guide
The master had once pointed him out t
Andy, and the boy remembered the fac
well. Boldly and fearlessly he was ridingand Andy's voice broke into a cheer as h
recognized the noble face. The leader
halted. There were several roads ahead
which was safest and quickest? Burventured a question.
"Which way leads most directly t
Manhattanville?" he said.
"Keep close to the river, and make fo
Kingsbridge, Colonel," Andy answered
"That road is not so carefully watched; i
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s rougher but safer."
Burr gave him a smile, then gallope
ahead. The last weary stragglers werbarely out of sight, when again the soun
of on-coming horsemen broke th
stillness.
"These are king's men!" groaned Ruth
who had stood rigidly silent until now
"Ah! Andy, and the others so little in
advance!"
Constantly blowing their bugles an
shouting derisively after the fleein
patriots, my Lord Howe's men advanced.
"'Tis a rare fox-hunt!" laughed one.
"But the fox and his mates are out of sight
my lord," cried another.
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"For the moment. The ways divide a few
rods beyond. Did the rebels pass thi
way?" asked an officer noticing Andy and
Ruth.
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"BURR VENTURED A
QUESTION."
"Yes, sir!" answered Ruth, promptly, andfor a moment Andy sickened at what h
feared she was about to do. It was to
ate, though, for him to interfere.
"Which road did they take?"
The instant's pause seemed an eternity t
Andy. Then calmly and with clear
uplifted eyes:
"The main road, sir, it being the safer and
shorter!" Andy felt a moment's dizziness
Then a rough voice startled him:
"I know that boy, my lord; he was the on
n the secret passage, about which I tol
you. I shall not soon forget him."
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"I thought you said your companion in th
cave was dealt a stunning blow; surel
his lad could have done no such thing,
answered the Captain.
"I could swear to him, your lordship
hough I saw him but for a moment a
Martin went down, and the light went outHi! there, Martin, come here," he called
A man galloped up, a man with a dar
bruise upon his forehead and eye.
"Martin, do you know that boy?" Marti
ooked, and in the clear light he saw an
knew Andy at once; but somethin
staggered him, and he stammered anshook.
"Did you strike this soldier?" asked th
Captain impatiently of Andy.
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"No, sir!" The words came sharply.
"You do not recognize him?" asked the
officer of Martin."Heisthesame!" Martin blurted
"We are losing time, my lord."
"There is no way to settle the thing herewe are losing time, and your story of tha
night in the cave is too important t
overlook, Norton. If this is the boy w
must deal with him later. The young scamp
probably knows the roads well. Lead on
you rascal, but if you play any tricks an
mislead us, my men shall pin you to
ree."
Ruth gave one despairing cry:
"He is lame," she panted. "For shame
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How can he lead a mounted troop?"
"We'll go slowly. The game's nearly up
my girl," laughed Norton, "and a prick ohe bayonet"he suited the word with a
action, and prodded Andy on the ar
"will hurry the lamest patriot. Lead on
cave-crawler!"
Andy gave one look at Ruth. A look o
bravery, appreciation, and mute thanks fo
her part of the work.
"It's all right, Ruth," he called back. "Tel
mother I'll lead them straight enough an
be home in an hour. Good-by."
By a winding way leading from the mai
road they went; through Apthorpe's plac
hey cantered at their ease, and so came t
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he highway a mile beyond.
"There may be a shorter cut, my lord,
suggested Norton; then he paused. "Doeyour lordship observe there are no mark
on the road that bespeak the recent passin
of a regiment? This should mean the youn
rebel's death!"
"He's a spy in the old fox's hire!" shoute
another.
"String him up, along with th
schoolmaster down at the Beekman plac
o-morrow morning!" roared a third. Al
was wild commotion in a moment. But i
hat moment Andy took his chances and
made for the thicket, and the hidden pat
over which he and Washington went tha
day that now seemed so long ago. A man
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eaned from a horse and tried to clutc
him, lost his balance and tumbled to th
ground. Confusion covered Andy's dash.
"He's gone!" yelled the man who ha
fallen.
"Which way?" shouted several i
response.
Which way? Aye, that was the query
Which way!
Andy made for the dry bed of the stream
o rustling leaves must betray him. Not i
flight was his safety now, but in silen
hiding until darkness should come. Downto the muddy pool of the once rushin
brook, rolled the boy. In the distance h
heard:
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"No trail here, my lord!" and he smile
grimly.
"Well, a lost lame rebel is of less accounhan the regiments ahead," shouted th
Captain. "Bad luck to the young devil. Cu
cross country and try the river road!"
"They have an hour to the good!" though
Andy, as he remembered the wear
patriots and young Aaron Burr. Soon al
was quiet, and with the palpitating silenca new thought grew in Andy's brain
"Better string him up to-morrow with th
schoolmaster!" Whom did they mean!
"Schoolmaster! Spy!" The two word
struck dully on the aching brain. Suppose
Andy sat up and gazed wildly into th
dense underbrush. "Could it be?" But no
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he idea was too horrible.
The long shadows began to creep amon
he rocks they loved so well. Still Andsat staring into the awful possibility tha
he words conjured up.
"Schoolmaster! Spy!" He could stand it n
onger. Cautiously he crept up the bank
Through all the excitement he had clung t
his crutch. It must serve him well now. H
set out determinedly toward the highwayCome what might, he must reach th
Beekman place as soon as possible, an
he hoped that the road was safe, owing t
nterest being centered elsewhere. In thihope he was right. Below and above him
excitement ran rife, but the highwa
seemed to belong to him alone.
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CHAPTER VI
THEN MARCHED THE
BRAVE
A terrible storm was coming up, after th
sultry day. Andy's whole being centered
upon the thought that he must reach th
Beekman Place; and the coming stor
might delay him. Only so far did it affec
him. He felt no hunger; it troubled him
ittle that his mother and Ruth woulworry about him, but nothing mattered s
much as the solving of the doubt that wa
causing his heart and brain to throb.
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Strangely enough, his lameness decrease
as his excitement waxed greater, or i
seemed to, and he considered it less. Th
birds stopped twittering their vespesongs, and huddled fearfully in thei
shelters. A peal of thunder was followed
quickly by another. The rocks took up th
echo and prolonged the sound. Betweenhe flashes of lightning, the darkness coul
almost be felt, so tangible and dense i
seemed. Once Andy fell and struck hi
head. The blow made him giddy, but th
rain dashing in his face steadied him, an
he plodded on. Then a glare in th
distance attracted him. It was in thdirection toward which he was going.
"A fire!" he muttered. "All the mor
reason for hoping they will not notice me.
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The town might burn, what matter, if only
he way were free to the Beekman place.
t was still dark when he reached hidestination, worn and haggard. Ove
oward the greenhouse people wer
stirring about, and Andy rightly guessed
hat the prisoner, whoever he might bewas there. No luckier place could hav
been chosen, so far as Andy wa
concerned. It was surrounded b
shrubbery through which he could creeright up to the building, providing, o
course, that the sentinels did not see him
But the sentinels were relaxing thei
watch. The hours of the troublesome spwere nearly ended, and there could b
ittle danger of any further trouble on hi
account.
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Andy crept along, keeping to the bushes
The storm was nearly over, and no
ightning could betray his motions now.
Once the glass house was reached, And
ooked eagerly in. There was a pile o
rubbish in one corner, and a man wa
sitting upon a rude bench near it; betweehim and Andy, however, were two men
with their backs to the boy, and they quit
hid the face of the man upon the bench
The two were listening, and the third mawas speaking. Andy was too far away to
hear, but, gaining courage, he crept around
o the other side of the house, and so cam
close to the group within. Something in thattitude of the man upon the bench ha
caused the boy's heart to leap madly, then
almost stop. He raised his eyes slowly
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one look was enough!
Sorrow and ill-treatment had done thei
work, but the dear face was the sameDauntless, undying courage shone upon th
uplifted face.
t was the master! The errand, whatever i
had been, was over. Success or failure
Andy could not tell from the calm features
Spy or hero! What mattered? There sat th
beloved friend, deserted and forlornstill unconquered though the fetters boun
him close.
"I would send, if your kindness wil
permit, these letters. They will mak
ighter the sorrow of them I love."
Andy bowed his head and clutched at hi
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hroat to stifle the rising cry. A broken
pane of glass near-by permitted him t
hear clearly every word.
One man on guard had a low, brutal face
he other, Andy noticed, had a more
humane look.
"Have you the letters written?" asked th
coarse fellow.
"I have." The master drew them from hi
breast and handed them to the speaker.
"One is to Washington," laughed the man
"Gad, you must take us for raw recruits."
"I shall be beyond harming you soon. Tha
etter refers to personal matters, I swear.
There was superb dignity in the voice. "
would have his excellency know that
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regret nothing. I would do all over again
did the need arise. Washington would see
hat my comrades understand that."
The man with the letters gave vent to
brutal oath. Then the quieter man spok
for the first.
"If we read the letters and find the
harmless, I am for forwarding them. To
whom are the others addressed?"
"One to my family, the otherto th
woman I was to have married!" Th
master, for the first time, bowed his head
as if his burden were too heavy.
"I think we may carry out your request i
he contents are what you imply."
"And make a hero of this spy!" snarled th
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rougher man. "Every word may have
double meaning, Colonel. We have the
papers he so carefully hid, but thes
etters may contain the same informationslyly concealed." He tore the letter
across twice, and flung the pieces on th
floor. "Death and oblivion to all rebe
spies!" he hissed.
The master never flinched, but his pal
face grew paler. "Is there anything else w
can do for you?" asked the milder voice"something safer than forwarding letters?"
"I should like to have the right generall
granted a dying man, of seeing a ministerOne lives a few miles above here. I a
sure he would come."
"And hear what you dare not write,
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sneered the torturer. "You are not the sor
o need a death-bed scene; besides, ther
sn't going to be any death-bed. I dare sa
he parson would be glad enough to carryour so-called confession to Washington
Bah! you are crude in your last moments."
"Come," impatiently spoke the fellow'companion, "I have no stomach for you
ests and brutality." Then, turning to th
master, he said: "We will leave you for a
few hours. It seems the only thing we cado for you. Try to rest."
Down the greenhouse the two went. Th
master was alone! He bowed his splendihead, and perhaps tasted, for the first time
he dregs of desolation.
Andy, lying low among the bushes, saw
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hat the master's feet were bound. Th
sight wrung the boy's soul. Perhaps he ha
wildly hoped that escape were possible
but one glance showed him that the fetterwere cruelly strong. What could he do
ear and far he heard the measured trea
of sentinels at their posts. He wondere
hat he had ever gained his presenposition unnoticed. It was doubtful now
hat he could make his own escape, for
gray dawn was breaking in the east. Bu
he thought of his own danger troubled th
boy little. He was thinking of a peculia
whirring sound that he and the master ha
once practiced together. A sound like annsect. "'Twould be a good signal," the
eacher had said. Would he remember it?
Andy pressed close to the broken glass
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and chirruped distinctly. The maste
started and raised his eyes. Was he
dreaming! Again Andy ventured. Then a
smile flitted across the master's face.
"Andy!" he breathed.
"Here, close to you!"
Slowly, without a suspicious start, th
man turned in the boy's direction; and th
wo brave comrades smiled at each othe
over the gulf of pain and grief.
"I will try to sleep!" This aloud, to regal
he ear of any possible listener other tha
Andy. With difficulty the master stretchedas best he could, his fettered limbs upo
top related