many a lad like yourself the way
to make a fortune.'

"In the evening the farmer was as good as his word. Giving Crosby a
wink, they went forth, shaping their course towards the mountain,
about half way up which, they came to a huge rock, which jutted over
with threatening aspect; but was prevented from falling, by several
forest trees, against which it rested."

[Illustration]

"Here the farmer, taking his cane, struck several smart blows upon the
rock. Instantly, a kind of trap door was opened, and an English
captain appeared, with a lantern.

"'Captain!' whispered the farmer, 'here's as brave a lad as you have
seen this many a day--good bye.'

"'Well, my lad,' said the captain, 'do you understand burrowing?'

"'Not much of the wood chuck about me,' replied Crosby, 'more of the
fox--I can enter burrows already made.'

"'Well! see whether your skill can contrive to enter here,' pointing
to a small hole, leading into a cavern.

"'Tight work, I believe,' said Crosby, forcing his huge frame through
the opening, followed by the captain, who, from the smallness of his
size, slipped down with more ease.

"'Quite a comfortable apartment, captain,' observed Crosby, casting
his eye round upon the interior, 'and not likely to starve very soon,
one would judge, from the good things on your table.'

"'Help yourself to what you like,' said the captain, 'his majesty's
friends provide well--good fare--no charges.'

"Crosby had but just supped--but tempted by the fare, somewhat
superior to that which he had seen at the farmer's, he seated himself
at the table, while the liberal hand of the captain was not backward
in replenishing his plate, as often as it was emptied.

"'Do you leave here soon?' inquired Crosby.

"'To-morrow, I hope,' said the captain. 'I have burrowed here long
enough. Much longer--and I shall have _claws_ in good earnest.'

"'Your company is full, then?'

"'Room for one or two more. What say you, shall I enter your name?'

"'When and where does the company meet, before marching?' inquired
Crosby.

"'On Tuesday evening, at the barn of Mr. S----; what say you, will you
be present?'

"'I will,' replied Crosby.

"'Done!' said the captain--'now turn in; and in the morning, go back
to farmer B----'s, and be ready to meet us, at the time and place
appointed.'

"On the following morning, which was Saturday, Crosby returned to his
employer, with whom he concluded to stay, till the appointed time o