Cutting the traces he rode off, taking a course to the north in his
ignorance of the country; but, discovering his mistake, he turned
about, and the first persons he saw were those of our party.

Without wasting any time we told him of Jerry's scheme, and he, having
nothing better to propose, agreed to make the venture, more
particularly because he stood sadly in need of some attention, since
the wound had been only rudely bandaged.

Darius claimed that he could treat it after a sailorly fashion,
provided we found clean water and cotton cloth, and declared that it
would heal as well after such treatment as if any save a skilled
surgeon had dressed it.

As a matter of course we kept the mule, for it was necessary my
father should ride, and after the delay needed in which to explain
matters, our little party started toward Washington, knowing full well
that we were going where it was certain the enemy would soon come.

Although I had agreed to Jerry's scheme, and was willing to do
whatsoever the majority of my companions decided was for the best, I
could not but believe that ours was as rash a move as fugitives ever
made, for of a verity it was thrusting ourselves into the jaws of the
lion.

Now that my father was with us, having his wound as proof that he had
taken part in the battle, we could no longer hope to pass ourselves
off as cowards who remained at home while others were fighting for us,
and in event of being captured in the city I believed we would receive
rougher usage than those taken prisoners on the battle-field.

CHAPTER XVI.

IN HIDING.

I question if my companions were any less uneasy in mind regarding our
seeking a refuge in the city about to be occupied by the British, than
was I; but no one ventured to say exactly what he thought lest it
serve to check our courage, and of a verity we needed that in
abundance if we were to make a success of Jerry's scheme.

Darius and I walked either side of the mule on which my father rode,
where we might be ready to give the wounded man assistance in case his
strength failed him suddenly; but neither of us dared discuss the
possibilities of the future.

When we were come nearly to the city my father asked me if we had any
money with which to purchase food, and I replied by showing him the
two silver coins remaining of the amount paid by the Britishers for
oysters.

Darius had the same number of pieces in copper, and Jim Freeman was
the capit