In a very few seconds the corporal and Isaac had made their preparations for the journey, which simply consisted in gathering up all their belongings, much to the surprise of the lad, who questioned whether, if they were to go to the fort apparently from motives of curiosity, it was well they carried muskets. "If it seems necessary we can leave them where this boy lives; but it is certain we cannot depend on any one else bringing our luggage along for us, so take what we own, lad, an' then be at home wherever we stop." When the two returned to headquarters they found Master Phelps awaiting their coming, and Nathan kept close and suspicious watch upon each person and everything within his range of vision. The messenger from the General Assembly had made a very decided change in his personal appearance, and Isaac was forced to look twice before feeling positive this was the same Master Phelps whom he had seen a few moments before. Now he was clad after the fashion of a farmer, in garments which he had probably borrowed from some member of the troop; his face was browned and soiled, while his hands were exceedingly dirty, and even Nathan must have been satisfied that the commandant of the fort would not see in this visitor other than he professed to be. "If that lad had a trifle more sense he'd understand there wasn't anything to be gained by deceiving him," the corporal said in a low tone to Isaac; "but he's so self-opinionated he thinks everybody is plotting mischief against him." "You don't seem to like him very well," Isaac ventured to say, and Corporal 'Lige replied emphatically: "Neither do I." "Then unless he an' I go off by ourselves, I don't reckon this will be a very pleasant journey," Isaac said to himself as he thought of the corporal and Nathan, each distrusting and making complaint against the other. Colonel Allen was determined there should be no delay in the setting out of this spying expedition, and immediately the corporal and Isaac showed themselves he insisted that the little party start without further loss of time. Young Beman at once showed his preference as to a traveling companion, for he ranged himself by Isaac's side, and when the corporal would have joined them, said curtly: "You'd better keep back with the other man. I s'pose I'll have to lead the way, and when we strike off the main road the path ain't wide enough for more than two." "Don't the highway lead to Shoreham?" the corporal asked suspiciously. "Yes; but we can save more'n four miles by cuttin' through the woods," and Nathan hurried Isaac on as a means both of putting an end to the corporal's inquiries, and forcing him to join Master Phelps. Once the journey was well begun young Beman presented himself in a more favorable light.