bbers about, am I?"

Ree had joined John in the task of dressing, while the proprietor of the
establishment sat on the bed, the least concerned of any, over what had
taken place.

"Haow should yeow know anythin' about it?" cried the peddler suddenly
turning toward the man. "Why, yeow ain't even asked who the thief was!
Yeow wouldn't 'a come up stairs if I hadn't 'most dragged ye! It looks
consarned strange, that's what I say! An' yeow settin' there like a
stick, sayin', 'Haow kin I help it!'"

The landlord winced and squirmed, and was glad enough to hurry down
stairs when Ree said authoritatively: "Now let's have no further talk
about this matter, but get our breakfasts at once, if you please. It will
soon be daylight."

"Ree Kingdom, you make me mad!" cried John Jerome, as the landlord
disappeared. "Why didn't you let me crack that old villain on the head?
If I didn't know that you are the only one here who has kept cool, I'd be
mad in earnest. If any of our goods have been disturbed, I'll show the
old Tory!"

Ree smiled at his friend's blustering tone, but the peddler slapped him
on the back and told him he was a "reg-lar man-o'-war with flags
a-flyin'."

The gray glimmer of dawn was in sight as the boys crossed the road to the
barn and by the light of the tallow candle in the old-time lantern,
inspected their cart and horse. All was secure. Recognizing his young
masters by the fine instinct some animals have, Jerry, their horse,
whinnied loudly, as though saying he was all right but ready to move as
soon as convenient. Hay and grain were given the faithful animal, and the
boys went in to their own breakfast.

The meal of potatoes and bacon was soon disposed of, the peddler sitting
at the table with them. He was going in their direction for a mile or two
and would accompany the lads, he said.

"We'll be glad to have you," Ree answered.

"Whatever Ree Kingdom says, I say--only he always gets the words out
first," said John. "I am like the old trapper who came hurrying up to
General Washington saying he could lick all the Redcoats on earth with
one hand tied behind his back. But the war was all over then, though he
did not know it, and so he didn't get a chance to try. He meant well, you
see, but was a little behind hand."

"That's a pert yarn," smiled the peddler, "an' there ain't nobody gladder
than I be tew see yeow so chipper; but I swan, lads, I only hope ye'll be
as jolly as ye be naow, come six month