hat
you might call a tearful tone, for I was near to crying with vexation
because of having wasted a goodly part of the afternoon loitering about
the town when I might have had everything in readiness for a hasty
flight.

"Ay, lad, yonder clouds mean plenty of rain and wind, and I am much
mistaken if within the hour the night be not so black and stormy that
you might pass in the same street a squad of Britishers, and they be
none the wiser."

"And it may be a month before such an opportunity comes again," I said
mournfully. "We shall most like have storms in plenty; but never one at
exactly the right moment, as this promises."

Hiram made no reply; but having satisfied himself there were no enemies
in the immediate vicinity he strode on in advance swiftly, carrying the
oaken stick on his arm as if it were a musket, and I could almost fancy
from his bearing that he had in mind some purpose which he would strive
earnestly to carry out, even though our preparations were not completed.

That this purpose was the rescue of Archie, I need not say, for just
then we had none other, and I trembled with fear at the thought that we
might succeed in freeing the dear lad only to find ourselves pursued,
captured and clapped into prison with him, where we would be powerless
either to aid the Cause or to work to his advantage.

Once at the corner of Hanover street it was possible for me to find the
way through gardens and waste land until we were come to Brattle street
church, from whence the journey to the prison must be made in the open.

The clouds had gathered so quickly that by this time they veiled the
stars until one could hardly see ten paces in advance, therefore we had
little hesitation in going boldly to that place where we counted on
meeting Harvey Pearson, nor did we count in vain. The lad came out from
between two buildings as we approached, and seizing me by the arm, led
us into his hiding place where we might talk, if so be we spoke in
whispers, without danger of being overheard.

"Archie is on the alert, and expects our coming," he said guardedly.
"Within ten minutes have I clambered up until getting a hold on the
window ledge where I could tap the glass, and he returned the signal,
therefore you need not linger long if you would have speech with him."

"There is no reason why we shouldn't wait here to get our breath," Hiram
said in an odd tone. "I'm thinking it won't be a waste of time, and half
an hour more