eve there was nothing else to do. But this lameness, oh, Andy!"

"How did it happen?"

"Just as the lie did, Andy. This is a bodily lie."

"I do not understand, Ruth."

"Eat, and I will explain." Andy began mechanically. He must be ready for
his task in any case. Food was the first step.

"I have been reading the Bible to the children, Andy. They wanted the
story of David. As I read it seemed as if you were like David. When he
went to meet Goliath, how impossible his victory seemed, but the hand
that swung the sling was strong enough to win the day. Andy," Ruth bent
toward him, her face glowing, "you are strong enough to win against your
Goliath!"

"Mine?"

"Yes; all the king's men! You will get to Washington before another day
is passed. But--you must let me help you."

Andy set the cup of milk down and stared at the earnest face.

"I'm very dull," he said. "I only know that I must go. I do not see,
now, that you can help."

"You must not think of going abroad as Andy McNeal," the girl explained.
"They are watching for you. Janie says that more than one Britisher has
been to her door."

"Do you know--" Andy began.

"Yes," nodded Ruth, "but he is well hidden. It is you they are after.
Then, too, I know what the British expect to do. Hans Brickman found
out and he is almost frightened to death with his secret. He thinks the
British will see his secret written all over him, and he is afraid to go
into camp--the patriot camp, you know. He has honey and butter to sell,
and he sells to friend or foe. I've told him I will go with him
to-night."

"What secret?" asked Andy, keen to the main point.

"The British war-ships are going up the river!" Ruth was whispering in
Andy's ear, not daring to trust her voice even in the little room.
"Father says the General does not expect this move, but they are getting
ready down by the Battery. Father says the forts cannot stand a river
attack."

"But Washington _must_ know this. He never is taken off guard." Andy
spoke proudly and with assurance.

"Well, any way," said Ruth, "he is preparing for a land attack. It is
common talk."

"Just a blind!" Andy broke in. But his face was troubled. "However, I
must get these papers to him, and if I can I will speak to him. It can
do no harm."

"But you cannot go as you are, Andy."

"How then?"

"Why," Ruth went to the door and dragged in a bundle, "in these!" She
held up one of her own dresses, a big sunbonnet, and a neat