if we can. He seems to be a
gentleman, a man of honor, and will, doubtless, pay us well. Besides,
possibly we may learn something that can be turned to good account, if
we keep our eyes and ears open, and our wits about us."

"It will be only a plain table, my lord, I can provide. Since the
provincials have closed around us, the market has been bare of
provisions," said Mrs. Duncan.

"I am aware of it, madam, but I doubt not you will be able to furnish
appetizing food, possibly a joint of roast mutton from the flocks of
sheep accessible to us on the islands in the harbor, a fresh mackerel
or cod. We are not yet shut in from the sea, and possibly we may soon
have free access to the surrounding country, for I hear there is much
discontent among the provincials, and their numbers are rapidly
melting away, now that the first excitement is over," responded Lord
Howe.

"Possibly I may be able to provide early vegetables,--lettuce,
dandelions, greens, asparagus, and water-cresses, my lord, if you will
allow my negro servant, Cato, to pass the patrol to Charlestown," said
Mrs. Duncan.

"I will give him such permission," he replied, writing a pass,
directing the sentinels along the wharves, and the marine patrol in
the harbor, to pass the negro servant, Cato.

Not only Cato, but Mrs. Duncan and her son, Abraham, ship-carver and
artist, were attentive to the wants of General Howe, receiving shining
guineas in return. It was a pleasure to the British commander, just
arrived from England, to talk with a young gentleman so well informed
and of such attainments as the son of his hostess.

"I dare say, Mr. Duncan, you are quite well acquainted with the
country around Boston?" said his lordship.

"I have been up the Charles and Mystic by boat many times, my lord,
and visited Cambridge to enjoy the festivities of Class Day, and the
orations of graduates at Commencement. I have rambled the Roxbury
fields and pastures for strawberries, and am pretty well acquainted
with the various localities."

General Howe spread out a map and asked many questions in regard to
the surrounding hills, valleys, woods, and cleared lands. He was
surprised to see how well Mr. Duncan could sketch them in with his
pencil upon the map which Ensign De Berniere had drawn. Lord Howe
introduced him to Generals Pigot and Clinton, who were pleased with
the intelligent replies to their questions.

There came a day in June when Abraham heard General Howe sa