and you?' inquired the stranger--his keen eye settling
on the steady countenance of Crosby--'do you wish to know, which party
a real patriot should join?'

"'I do,' said Crosby.

"'Well! you look like one to be trusted----'

"'I hope I am honest,' replied Crosby.

"'Why,' observed the stranger, 'one mus'n't say much about _oneself_,
in these days; but----but----some of my _neighbours_ would advise you
to join the _lower_ party.'

"'Why so?' asked Crosby.

"'Why, friend, they read, that we must submit to the powers that be;
and, besides, they think king George is a good friend to America,
notwithstanding all that is said against him.'

"'Could you introduce me to some of your neighbours of this way of
thinking?' asked Crosby.

"'With all my heart,' replied the stranger, 'I understand they are
about forming a company to go below, and I presume they would be glad
to have you join them.'

"'I do not doubt it,' observed Crosby.

"'Well, friend,' said the stranger, 'say nothing--rest yourself to
night; and, in the morning, I will put you in the way to join our--
_the_ company.'

"By this time, they had reached the stranger's dwelling. It was a farm
house, situated a short distance from the main road--retired, but
quite neat and comfortable in its appearance. Here the soldier was
made welcome by the host and his family. After a refreshing supper,
Crosby excused himself--was soon asleep--and 'slept well.'"

_John_. "Was that man a tory, father?"

_Henry_. "Why, John, you know he was. It is as clear as day."

_Gen. P_. "Yes, my son, he _was_ a tory--in heart a firm tory--but he
intended to be cautious. He intended to ascertain, if possible, which
side Crosby favoured, before he expressed his own views. But, when
Crosby asked to be introduced to some of his neighbours, he concluded
that if _urged_, he would go below--and after this was more
unreserved."

_William_. "Did Crosby tell him that he would go below?"

_Gen. P_. "No, no, he only asked to be introduced to some of the
tories."

_Henry_. "But did he not do wrong to conceal his opinions?"

_Gen. P_. "Certainly not. A person is not under obligation to tell all
about his opinions, to every one. When a man speaks, he should indeed
tell that which is true; but he is not bound, unless under certain
circumstances, to tell the _whole_ truth.

"Crosby, I said, slept well. In the morning, a better breakfast than
usual graced the farmer's table, and the keen