ppetizing meal was placed upon the table, and while she
was impatiently awaiting them, Mrs. Beman questioned her son sharply as
to what business his father could have with the strangers.

For a time Nathan avoided making any direct answer; but when his mother
pressed him closely he answered her quite as pertly as he had Colonel
Allen, by saying:

"I'm to be paid for holdin' my tongue about whatever is goin' on--I'll
have six shillings by this time to-morrow night, an' I can't afford to
talk to anybody."

"Six shillings just for holding your tongue, Nathan?"

"Well, it's for that an' a little more; but I ain't goin' to make any
talk, so if you want me to earn the money you'd better stop askin'
questions."

"Is your father going to get as much?"

"I don't know anything about his trades; it's all I can do to take care
of my own, an' work 'em through accordin' to the agreement, when there's
so much questionin' goin' on," Nathan replied quite sharply, and his
mother, who was evidently as prudent as himself in financial matters,
desisted from pressing him further.

After this brief conversation Isaac felt positive Corporal 'Lige need
have no fear regarding possible treachery on Nathan's part, for if the
boy refused to tell his mother he surely would be close-mouthed in the
presence of others.

When the party finally made their appearance and were seated at the
supper table, the three men evidently on the best of terms with each
other, Mrs. Beman's curiosity was still further aroused, as was but
natural. Yet no word was dropped during the progress of the meal, nor so
long as the guests remained downstairs, which could have given her the
slightest clew.

It was Nathan's purpose to have Isaac for a bed-fellow; but to this his
mother made emphatic protest, and when the time for retiring came the
three guests were conducted to a room adjoining the kitchen, while the
farmer's family retired to the loft above.

Then it was in cautious whispers that Isaac told the corporal why he
felt confident there was no danger Nathan would betray them, and the old
soldier said grimly:

"He didn't have a fair test when he was talking with his mother, 'cause
there was no chance she would pay him for the information. What I'm
afeared of is that some one may offer him more than Colonel Allen did,
an' then I'll go bail everything he knows will come out in short order."

"I don't believe he would do other than he has agreed."

"Well, l