low the words.

"Where are you bent on taking us?" Jason Wentworth asked, after he had
somewhat recovered his composure.

"Our orders were to go to Sudbury, and I think we'd better keep on in
that direction, rather than lose time by carrying you to Ticonderoga. We
could do that last if we pleased, for our boat is hidden among the
bushes nearabout where Master Jones turned back. What say you, Isaac
Rice? Is it to be Sudbury, or the fort?"

"It is best we see Captain Baker as soon as may be, and if you think we
can find our way through the woods, I'll say nothing against a short
cut, for time presses."

The prisoners were driven like sheep, both boys marching directly behind
them with leveled muskets, and, as may be expected, the advance was
exceedingly slow.

The men stumbled over fallen trees, and each of them fell headlong half
a dozen times before the seemingly long night came to an end; but still
they were urged on at the best possible pace until sunrise, when a brief
halt was made.

Two hours after the journey had been resumed the trail was found, and
from that time on until the outskirts of the settlement was gained, the
party marched at a reasonably rapid rate of speed.

Once a glimpse of Sudbury was had Isaac became exceedingly prudent, and
insisted upon calling a halt, while Nathan declared they should press
forward until the prisoners could be delivered to Captain Baker.

"I shan't feel comfortable in mind until all three are off our hands,
for there's no knowing how many friends they may have in the
settlement."

"That is exactly why I would halt here," Isaac replied, and Corporal
'Lige would have rejoiced had he known how rapidly his recruit was
learning his duties as a soldier. "We do not know in which house Captain
Baker lives, and while making inquiries, still having the prisoners with
us, we might come upon those who would turn the tables once more, before
we had so much as gained speech with the officer."

"Then what would you do?"

"We are within less than half a mile of the settlement. Let us march the
prisoners into the thicket, where they will be hidden from view of any
who may come this way, and while one stands guard over them, the other
can seek out the captain. After that has been done he can take charge of
the affair, and our work will be well and thoroughly done."

"Who is to remain here?" Nathan asked.

"It shall be as you say."

Young Beman remained silent a moment, and then