out hands. I'll find the scurvy
wretch and thrash him into sense!"

The milk can had been thrown down, but no one was in sight, and after a
search the party returned to the large kitchen, where they again
replenished their glasses with cider.

In an interval of the fraternal mirth Eben got close to Allen and asked
him to spare a few moments.

"What is it, Eben?"

"I like it not, colonel. Some one was at that window at the time you
were discovered, and the knocking over of the milk can was an accident;
the man who did it has gone to find some English who will pay well for
your capture."

"You are too suspicious, Eben."

"Perhaps so, colonel, but do be careful."

"I will. I have no desire to get into any jail, and I am sure that I
like life too well to risk it needlessly."

It was after ten o'clock, a late hour in those days, before the farmer
would listen to any suggestion of retiring for the night.

He wanted Allen to sleep in the house--the others were to occupy the
hay loft--but Allen declared that he would share the loft with his
friends, and that no man should say that he had accepted better
treatment than his followers.

As it was impossible for all to stay in the house, the farmer gave way
and allowed Allen to share the hay loft.

It was a happy party that climbed up the stairs into the place, where
the sweet odor of the hay created a desire for sleep.

In less than ten minutes the hay had been too much for them, and all
were asleep.

No, not all, for Eben only pretended to sleep; he was wide awake, for
he feared treachery, and determined to be on the alert.

The boy was a natural wonder. He never knew what it was to be tired.
He could march farther than most men, eat less and do without sleep,
and never did he appear to be the least wearied.

The hour of midnight had passed and the early morning, according to the
manner of marking time, had commenced; in other words, it was one
o'clock when Eben fancied he heard a slight noise.

He was in a position where he could see everything outside, and as the
moon was shining brightly he was not long in discerning a number of men
moving toward the barn.

He crawled across to Ethan and gently shook him.

"Colonel, we are betrayed."

Allen was about to jump, when Eben whispered:

"Lie still or you will be seen; the loft door is open. I can wake the
others, and would it not be well to let them come right up into the
loft before we strike?"

"E