cked, hoping to procure a
night's lodging.

"It was some time before he was heard. At length a girl came, and
inquired his errand.

"'I wish for a lodging to-night,' said Crosby--'if it may be'--

"'I don't know, sir,' replied the girl--'I'll go and ask mother.'

"The girl soon reappeared, and bade him walk in. On reaching the
kitchen, he made known his wishes, to the mistress of the family.

"'Lodgings! sir--did you ask for lodgings? we don't keep lodgings
here, sir.'

"'I suppose not, madam,' said Crosby, in a kind manner--'but I am
quite fatigued, and thought, perhaps, you would let me stay till
morning.'

"'I don't know but what you may. The man is gone from home. There's
such work now-a-days, that a body don't know nothing what to say or
do--pray, what do you carry in that huge pack?'

"'In this pack, madam? only some shoemaker's tools. I am a shoemaker,
madam--perhaps, you have some work for me to do? I'll take it off with
your leave.'

"'Well, do as you please. Our John wants a pair of shoes; and perhaps
the man of the house will give you the job when he comes home.'

"'I shall be glad to do it,' said Crosby. 'Madam, have you heard the
_news_?'

"'What news?'

"'Why, that Washington is on the retreat, and that the British army is
pursuing him, and likely to overtake him.'

"'Ah! that's good news,' exclaimed the old lady, 'you may stay here
to-night. Sally! Sally! here get this man some supper--he brings good
news--I hope the rebels every one will be shot. Sally!--make up the
best bed. Here's a chair--sit down, sir; and make yourself at home.

"Crosby accordingly took a seat. Supper was soon ready, and he eat
heartily.

"When he had done, he drew his chair to the fire, about which time,
the man of the house came in. He was told the _good_ news by his wife,
and Crosby was made welcome.

"The evening was spent in talking about the war, and the prospects of
the country. The host proved himself a firm tory, and wondered that
Crosby and every one else should not think and feel precisely as he
did.

"'Have you many of your way of thinking in these parts?' inquired
Crosby.

"'That we have,' replied the host--'more than we shall have a few days
hence.'

"'I hope so,' whispered Crosby to himself. 'But, sir, how so?'
inquired he, with some surprise.

"'Why,' replied the host, 'you must know that we've a company nearly
ready to march. I guess they'll go the sooner, now that the British
are after