ckly, and set forward at a
sharp pace, when Jason Wentworth pointed out the direction to be
pursued.

At this moment it was Isaac who suffered most in mind, for he knew full
well that Corporal 'Lige would condemn him for not having the courage to
face death rather than give information to the enemy.

Even though it was Nathan who had divulged what should have been kept a
secret, the raw recruit knew in his own heart he had agreed that the
information should be given, because of having made no protest.

If Seth Warner failed in his purpose, it would be owing in a certain
degree to what had been told these men, and Isaac, who had hoped to win
renown, if not glory, by enlisting, could charge himself with what was
worse than a blunder.

On the other hand Nathan was not sore in mind because of the possibility
that Crown Point might still be held by the king's troops; but he had
sufficient sense to understand that if he had retraced his steps along
the shore to the trail, as Isaac proposed, this capture might not have
been made.

Therefore, but in a different fashion, was his mental trouble as great
as that of his comrade.

To the chagrin of both the boys they came upon the trail leading from
the lake to Sudbury, after not more than two or three minutes'
traveling, and thus knew that if their halt had been delayed a very
short time it might have been possible to have given these enemies the
slip.

Once on the trail word was given to halt, and the three men held a brief
consultation as to the course they should pursue.

One was in favor of going directly to the shore, where it appeared they
believed a boat could be found; but the others insisted on keeping
within the thicket until they were arrived a mile or more above the
fort, lest, being seen, pursuit should be made by those who had captured
Ticonderoga.

This last proposition prevailed, although there were many chances they
might not find a boat further up the lake; but Jason Wentworth persisted
it would be better if they make the journey entirely on foot, than take
the risk of being captured before word could be carried to Crown Point.

On being commanded to push forward once more the boys obeyed readily, if
not willingly, and during the hour which elapsed before they gained the
desired point, Nathan and Isaac had ample opportunity for conversation,
since their captors did not seem to be averse to their talking one with
the other.

"Of course, we shall be h