ere was a tinge of
bitterness in my heart as I understood that, whatever good to the Cause
might be the purpose of our task, the commander was, in a certain degree,
trading on Jacob's love for his father.

It was not for me, however, to criticize, even in my own mind, anything of
a military nature which might be on foot. I had had ample time since the
powwow with Thayendanega to decide whether or no I would serve under
General Herkimer, and, having come to a decision, it stood me in hand to
do whatsoever lay before me without question.

I held much the same opinion as did Jacob, however, although not because
of the same reason.

It seemed to me a most dangerous undertaking, this attempt to get a
message into a fort which was besieged by so large a body of men; but
since it must be done, unless we were willing to show the white feather,
then I was eager to be at it, for danger appears greater when one stands
idly by looking at it from the distance, than when it is actually
encountered.

Sergeant Corney, who had evidently been turning the matter over in his
mind, said, after a time, to the commander:

"It strikes me, sir, that we should get all the information we may
concernin' the whereabouts of the enemy before settin' out. Not that I am
askin' for any long delay," he added, quickly, observing a faint
expression of displeasure on the general's face. "I would mingle among the
men, to learn what they may know, from now until sunset, when, as it seems
to me, our journey had best be begun. By startin' at that time we shall
arrive before sunrise, an' thus have all the day in which to lay our plans
for approachin' the fort."

Jacob's eyes twinkled with satisfaction when he heard this proposition,
and I believed he was thinking that if we lay in hiding a full day in
front of the fortification, he might have opportunity to learn something
concerning his father.

"I shall leave to you who are most deeply concerned in the matter, the
method of doing the work. Pick up all the information you can, and when
you are ready to set out come to me for the final instructions."

Then the commander half-turned, as if to show that the interview was at an
end, and Sergeant Corney beckoned Jacob and me to follow him, reminding
us, when we were comparatively alone, of the promise made at the time we
first set out.

"The day we left Cherry Valley on Brant's trail, you lads agreed to follow
me without questionin', even when it seemed a