people anywhere when a boy who stands on the
threshold of manhood makes a grievous mistake."

"That remains to be proven."

"And it will be speedily, as you must learn to your cost. If you really
want a mill on the Pascataqua, I will show you how it can be built at
once."

"I should like to learn the secret."

"Abandon the evil companions you have chosen, reveal such of their
plots against his majesty's officers as you are acquainted with, and I
guarantee that a sufficient sum of money to put up the buildings and
purchase the machinery shall be loaned you within twenty-four hours."

"I am a fool not to have understood the drift of your conversation
before it reached this point," Walter said, hotly. "I had rather never
own a mill than get it as you propose; and as for evil companions,' I
am proud to have been allowed to join them."

"You will soon regret it."

"So you have said before; but since I have little faith in such
predictions, suppose you change the subject by explaining why you hold
me prisoner, and how long I am to be kept in this uncomfortable
position?"

"There is no reason why both questions should not be answered. You are
to remain in my custody till George Messerve arrives in Portsmouth, in
order that your friends may not intimidate him, and it will be
necessary to stay exactly as you are several hours longer."

Walter asked no more questions. He understood it was the purpose of his
captors to keep him out of sight, that McCleary might believe his
messenger had gotten through to Boston in safety; and, in the
meanwhile, someone else would be sent to warn the newly-appointed
distributor of stamped paper of something--Walter could not divine
what--which might be attempted against him.

Ten minutes passed in silence, and then the voice of the half-breed
could be heard far away in the distance, calling to his comrade.

With an exclamation of impatience, Haines rose to his feet, gave a
careless glance at the rope which bound Walter, and then replied to the
Indian as he went quickly in the direction from which the hail had come.

Left alone, Walter looked around, as if expecting to see some one who
might aid him, and then tugged and strained at his bonds, trying to
wrench free either hand or foot.

The rope had been tied too securely to admit of his slipping a knot,
but it was nearly new, and the prisoner's heart beat fast as he
realized that by exerting all his strength it would be possible to