appetite of the soldier,
after a good night's rest, did it honour.

"When breakfast was over, Crosby reminded his host of his last night's
promise to introduce him to some of his neighbours thereabouts--
particularly to those, who were about forming a company.

"'True,' said the farmer, 'I will accompany you. They will welcome
such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself. They like men of bone and
muscle.'

"In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of
the royal cause. Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of
serving his country, and as willing to hear what could be said, in
favour of joining their standard.

"They had much to say--many arguments to support their way of
thinking, and strongly did they urge Crosby to go with them. As he was
introduced by the farmer, who was known to be a true tory, they talked
without disguise--told their plans--spoke of the company which was
forming--and particularly of a meeting, which they were to hold a few
nights from that time; and now, said they, 'come and join us.'

"Crosby told them that he should think of their proposition, and
rather thought that he should contrive to pay them a visit at the
appointed time.

"Little did they think, what sort of a visit the soldier was planning.

"In the course of a couple of days, Crosby had gained all the
information he wished, and now determined to depart. He told the
farmer, therefore, on the morning of the third day, that it was not
worth while for him to wait longer--he had a strong wish to join the
army, and believed that he should go along.

"The farmer said some things, by way of persuading Crosby to wait a
day or two, when the company would meet, and then he could enlist and
go with them.

"To this Crosby replied, that unexpected delays might occur, and he
thought it would be better for him to proceed.--'But,' said he, as he
shook hands with the unsuspicious farmer, and bade him farewell, 'I
shall doubtless have the pleasure of seeing the company;' and added,
'It is my intention to _join_ them at----.'

"'Very well, very well!' interrupted the farmer,--his eye brightening
at his success, in having, as he thought, made Crosby a convert to the
royal cause.

"'I hope it will be well'--whispered Crosby to himself, as he walked
down the lane, which led to the road--'I will try to join them; but
may be in a manner not so agreeable to them.'

"On reaching the road, to avoid the mischief which mig