same night, as Andy lay sleeping, a strange sound startled him. In
an instant he was out of bed, and limping toward the window. Again came
the plaintive sound. It was some one mimicking a night-owl, and doing it
very badly, as the boy's true ear detected at once.

Andy replied, in a much better imitation; then, from out the shrubbery
beneath the window, the master stepped forth in the moonlight. He
beckoned to the boy, and then moved back into the shadow of the trees.

Always, with Andy, there was the struggle between the quick, alert mind
and will, and the weaker body. However, with trembling fingers, he
dressed as rapidly as possible, gladly remembering that he could reach
the ground by the vine, thus saving time, and making sure that his
mother would not be disturbed.

In a few moments he was ready. He dropped his crutch cautiously from the
window, and began to descend himself. The man among the shadows did not
move, though his expectant eyes were on the watch. Andy, keeping well in
the shelter of the shade, reached his friend.

"That fellow we met to-day was prowling about the house an hour ago,"
whispered the master; "he looked boldly into my window. I was awake and
saw his features distinctly, though I fancy he thought me unconscious. I
saw him leave by the stream path. He thinks me safe for to-night, but
they are suspicious, those Britishers, and you and I must get through
the passage to their lines to-night. I believe something is afoot, and
they do not 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
upon hands and knees they went, and no creatures of the wood and night
could have been more silent.

"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-like path where
Andy and the master had first met, then into the narrow gloom toward the
danger line.

"The way is narrow," whispered Andy, "but it leads out just behind the
British tents."

"Ah! for Vulcan's hammer!" laughed the master softly; "I'd hew me a
broader path, Andy. The width of me suffers sorely for the cause." Andy
smiled in the darkness. The mirth in the master's voice gave courage.

"It is broader further on," encouraged the guide.

"God be praised for that!" groaned the man as he came in contact again
with the rocks.

The