t give, and do anything. Ruth, suppose you knew a truth
about--about--well, about me; a truth that, if it were known, would be
the death of me. Would you tell, or--or would you save me?"

It was a rigid moment for the stern little maid. Her eyes fell, then
were raised again.

"I--do--not--know," she panted, "but a lie is a lie, and I should expect
to be punished."

"So should I for any dishonorable thing," agreed Andy. "That is just
it, but it would be my willingness to do it, and then to suffer, that
makes the difference."

The two were standing near the end of the Pass at a small gate, and as
Andy ceased speaking a sound smote their ears that turned them pale. It
was the sound of many horsemen galloping wildly onward.

"The king's men landed at Kip's Bay this morning," gasped Andy,
clutching the gate, "and they do say that Douglass's men are not strong
enough to defend the point."

It was Putnam's five brigades; the boy and girl only knew they were
patriot troops. They had been ordered by Washington to make for
Manhattanville before retreat was cut off.

Young Aaron Burr was acting as guide. The master had once pointed him
out to Andy, and the boy remembered the face well. Boldly and fearlessly
he was riding, and Andy's voice broke into a cheer as he recognized the
noble face. The leaders halted. There were several roads ahead; which
was safest and quickest? Burr ventured a question.

"Which way leads most directly to Manhattanville?" he said.

"Keep close to the river, and make for Kingsbridge, Colonel," Andy
answered. "That road is not so carefully watched; it is rougher but
safer."

Burr gave him a smile, then galloped ahead. The last weary stragglers
were barely out of sight, when again the sound of on-coming horsemen
broke the 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 and shouting derisively after the
fleeing 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.

"For the moment. The ways divide a few rods beyond. Did the rebels pass
this way?" asked an officer noticing Andy and Ruth.

[Illustration: "BURR VENTURED A QUESTION."]

"Yes, sir!" answered Ruth, promptly, and for a moment Andy sickened at
what he feared she was about to do. It was too late, though, for him to
i