ed; nor would I question, so great is my trust
in him. And did he burn all, even my home, yet would I gladly obey, for
I would _know_ he was doing wisely. So greatly do I honor him that I
think, next to God, I trust our General!"

The young face glowed and quivered, and Andy, with the spirit of
hero-worship growing upon his recent experiences, panted in excitement
as she spoke.

"I, too, would follow, and never question," he said. "Never fear, Ruth;
what the General expects of me, that will I do. Not even death do I
fear--it comes but once!" The boyish voice rang clear.

Suddenly, Ruth started toward the house. "Wait," she said, "I have
something for you." She was back in a moment, bearing Sam's cap. "The
time has come," she faltered, and there were tears in her eyes. "I--I
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, "and--and if you should fail to do
bravely, you can have your own!" Then she dashed away the tears.
"Forgive me, Andy McNeal!" she sobbed; "you will never fail. There is
hero blood in your body, I know, and it may be that your lameness will
aid you in accomplishing tasks that a lusty lad could never attempt."

Andy raised his head proudly and the new crown set not badly on his
boyish curls.

"I must go," he breathed. "I will come every day unless--you know,
Ruth?"

The girl nodded, and so they parted silently, Ruth pressing the old hat
to her aching heart, and taking up the woman's part in those troubling
times; the part of the watching, waiting one.

The days following became filled with one longing for Andy. The longing
for Washington's messenger. Unless he came soon, the boy feared that he
would be too late. During his own recent explorations beyond the lines,
he heard much that warned him that the British were planning something
of grave importance.

Andy had told his mother and Ruth nothing of Washington's anticipated
messenger. They knew merely that Andy had ferried the great General
across the river--was that not enough? Had they known for what the boy
was eagerly watching, they could not have done their own daily tasks.

"He has an eager, watchful air," Janie confided to Ruth. "I am thinking
the lad expects the General to pass this way again. Lightning and _such_
happenings do 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 bo