I asked curiously.

"A whim of mine, lad."

"But it is not a walking stick, nor could it be used in a fight," I said
laughingly, and he replied:

"Ay, true for you, and yet on the night when the clouds have gathered in
the heavens, and your comrade Archie is still where he can be come at
with somewhat of ease, you may find this a very timely implement to
have."

I failed utterly of understanding his meaning; but since he was not
disposed to make it plain I held my peace, and we two went out into the
night, not by way of the streets, but through the gardens, and along
alleys, where we might pass without coming in contact with the
Britishers, or with the patrol.

Before we were well started on our devious way Hiram came to a full
halt, as he caught me by the arm and pointed toward the sky.

For the instant I could not make out the meaning of his gesture, and
then it was I saw down in the south an inky mass of clouds which seemed
to be coming swiftly against the wind, and my heart leaped into my
mouth, for verily it seemed as if this would be the cloudy night we
desired. If that dark mass proved what it promised, there would be such
a downpour that the Britishers must keep themselves well within cover.

I was trembling with excitement as we went on, believing the time for
our dangerous venture to be near at hand, and I prayed most fervently
that the tempest which was seemingly gathering upon us, would burst
before midnight. Then came a cold chill to my heart, as I realized that
I had not had time to gather the skiffs as Hiram advised, because of
having been occupied with showing him the best hiding places.

I was nigh to tears as I said to myself that however advantageous the
night might be for our purpose, we could not profit by it because of
lacking means of leaving the town by water--as for thinking of going
across the Neck, if by any fortunate chance we succeeded in releasing
Archie, that would be out of the question so closely was the place
guarded.

"It's a pity we hadn't spent a little time getting the skiffs into
convenient places, rather than looking for a chance to hide," Hiram
said as if to himself when we came up through Master Hayes's back yard
to Middle street, listening there for some token of the watch, for it
would be necessary to continue on as far as Hanover street by the
highway where there was no opportunity of concealment.

"Then you believe this night would serve our purpose?" I said in w