did; but without arriving at any
satisfactory conclusion. The only plan I could put together was that
we first get our wares and then blunder ahead trying to sell them,
trusting to luck for the rest.

We were a silent crew for some time, as each fellow tried to think up
some brilliant scheme, and then, when midnight was nearly come, we had
arrived off Benedict.

"Why not go ashore for an hour?" Jerry suggested, and all of us gladly
agreed, I in particular, because I wished to see my mother once more
now there was no petulance in my heart on account of her willingness
to have me go into danger.

Darius had no relatives, or even very near friends, in the village,
therefore he volunteered to keep ship, and Jim Freeman set us ashore
in the canoe, taking two at a trip, after which each fellow went his
way.

My mother was overjoyed at seeing me so soon again, even though I
aroused her from sleep to open the door, and asked so many questions
that I could do no less than tell her all which had happened since I
last saw her.

She was frightened at learning what we were about to do, and showed it
plainly; but never a word did she speak against the project.

"If it is your duty, Amos, I have nothing to say, although I wish most
heartily that others had been pushed forward into danger, and in thus
speaking I am selfish, for then some other mother's heart would ache.
Be as prudent as you can without being cowardly, my boy, and may God
be ever with you. It is believed in the village that Elias Macomber
has gone to join the British, because he has not been seen since last
night; but if he should escape, Amos!"

"There is little fear of that, mother," I replied confidently.
"Commodore Barney is not the man Darius has pictured him, if he allows
such a villain to escape."

After this we talked of family matters until I went up stairs to look
at my sisters and brother who were asleep. Then the visit was come to
an end, and I went out into the night with a heavy heart; but
determined that my family should have no cause to blush for me.

I was the first to arrive at the shore, and, lying at full length in
the canoe, I waited until my comrades returned from their visit.

Jerry and Jim came in company, and appeared to be excited over
something, therefore to draw them on without asking any questions, I
repeated what my mother had said concerning Elias Macomber.

"Ay, that was the talk in town this forenoon," Jerry replied; "but n