his mouth as though about to whistle, then suddenly
changed and burst into another laugh.

"Come, my boy, we do not make war on boys, so tell me your motive."

"Shall I?"

"It will be for your advantage, and your father----"

"Don't mention him. Let every tub stand on its own bottom, my father
always taught me. Talk about me, if you like, but leave dad alone."

"Then, for your own sake, tell me why you did it. Did others prompt
you?"

"I don't know what you mean by prompt, but if you mean did anyone tell
me to do it, I say no. I thought of it all by myself, and I made a
bargain with father, which he didn't keep; but he was a long time
before he saw it as I did."

"Tell all your story, and leave the rest to me."

"Well, you see, father wanted money----"

"Ah! so money stands before country?"

"Let me tell my story."

"Go on, I will not interrupt you again."

"You had better not if you want to hear what I have to say. I said
father wanted money, and as the Yorkers wanted you, and offered a big
sum of good money for your capture, why, I suggested to father that he
get the reward. Now, don't wince; wait until you have heard all. So I
got father to agree, and then you were invited to supper. I had gone
for the soldiers, and there you were trapped as nicely as any bear in
the mountains. Well, when you were secured I put up dad to ask when he
would get the reward, and he was told he would have to go to Albany for
it, and I found that he could get the reward even if you were rescued,
so I wanted to make myself solid with the boys, and I came and told
them which way you would be taken, and how to rescue you. So if you
will let us go we shall get the reward, but the Yorkers won't get you."

Zeb spoke with such a feeling of exultation that Allen had to laugh.

"So you tried to please both parties?"

"Well, yes; but if ye don't get the money we shan't be pleased with the
result."

"Have you told me the truth?"

"Of course I have, and I am itching to get the reward so that I may
laugh at the enemy."

"And try to play the same prank again."

"No, I want to join you; I am tired of home. My, won't the Yorkers be
mad at having to pay the money and not get you anyway?"

"They will not pay the reward."

"Then I'll fight until they do."

Allen called a council of the boys and asked what should be done with
the prisoners.

"Hang them all, every one of them," was the advice of Peleg Sunderland.

"I