such work as you have done
this day," he said stoutly. "Whatever resistance be made to the king is
for the benefit of all the colonies, and if each one insisted on being
paid, as you've done, his majesty might work his will, for there would
be none to say him nay."

Young Beman was both surprised and injured by this outburst.

"That's what I call pretty tough, after all I've done for you!" he cried
sharply. "If it hadn't been for me you wouldn't have got over here and
had a chance of staying all night in our house."

"I didn't have a chance without paying for it, as I understand Master
Phelps is to settle with your father for our accommodations."

"Yes, an' just before I come away mother told me she thought as likely
as not father'd be such a fool as to refuse to take a cent; but I ain't
goin' to quarrel with you, even if I have been defrauded of what is my
right. Come up to the house an' get some supper, won't you?"

"You mean that I shall partake of the food after I have helped you do
the chores?"

"Well, yes, something like that. Of course you don't expect to get your
supper for nothing."

"No; I'd rather go without than do more work now after tramping around
all the afternoon. There'll be something in the way of rations found in
camp, an' I'll take my chances there."

Young Beman turned away quickly as if angry with this new friend, and
observing the movement Corporal 'Lige asked Isaac:

"What's the trouble with yon skinflint? Haven't been quarrelin', eh?"

"I think I have seen enough of a lad who must be paid for all he does at
such a time," and having said this Isaac went in search of his supper,
not minded to make further explanations.

Weary though he was, the lad was soon forced to aid the corporal in
getting the boats' crews together, and after it was fully dark those
selected to act as oarsmen were marched to the water's edge, that they
might be in readiness when their services were required.

After this there was nothing to be done save await the coming of the
expected craft.

The men were not allowed to build fires lest the lights should be seen
by those in the fort, and so cautious was the leader that even loud
talking was forbidden, therefore the men could do little else than spend
the time in sleeping, a fact by no means disagreeable to the majority
after their march of the day.

On the shore of the lake the oarsmen followed the example of their
comrades in the woods, until all save the