as I look for, we should soon
have means at our disposal to augment what the tardy Assembly may
do by an auxiliary force, equipped and furnished with all that can
be needed. But you cannot be in two places at once.

"What think you, my young friends? Will you serve your distressed
brethren better as Rangers of the forest, or as emissaries to
England?"

"Why not divide our forces?" asked John Stark; "there are enough of
us for that. I have often heard Humphrey speak of a wish to cross
the sea, and to visit the land from which we have all come. Why not
let him choose a comrade, and go thither with letters and messages,
and tell his tale in the ears of friends? And whilst they are thus
absent, why should not the rest of us make up a party of bold
spirits, and go forth into the wilderness, and there carry on such
work of defence and aggression as we find for us to do?"

"Ay. I have no love for the unknown ocean," said Charles; "I have
other work to do than to visit new lands. I have a vow upon me, and
I cannot rest till it be accomplished."

Humphrey and Julian looked at each other. Already they had spoken
of a visit to England. Both desired to see the lands of the Eastern
Hemisphere from whence their fathers had come. Hitherto they had
not seen how this could be accomplished; but Ashley's words opened
out an unexpected way. If the citizens of Philadelphia wanted to
send messengers to their friends across the water, they would
gladly volunteer for the service.

"If Julian will go with me, I will gladly go," said Humphrey.

"I will go, with all my heart," answered Julian at once; "and we
will seek and strive to do the pleasure of those who send us."

Ashley's face beamed upon the pair. He knew by this time that no
better messenger than Julian Dautray could be found. He had a gift
of eloquence and a singularly attractive personality. His nature was
gentle and refined--curiously so considering his upbringing--and he
had a largeness of heart and a gift of sympathy which was seldom to
be met with amongst the more rugged sons of the north.

He had made himself something of a power already in the circle into
which he had been thrown; and when it was known amongst Ashley's
friends and acquaintance that his wife's brother, together with
Julian Dautray, would go to England with their representations to
friends and to those in authority, a liberal response was made as
to their outfit and introductions, and the young men wer