He ceased to refer to the corporal as an "imitation soldier," and gave no further evidence of being suspicious; but questioned Isaac as to what the town of Pittsfield was like, and concerning Boston, where young Rice had visited two years previous in company with his father. Master Phelps was not accustomed to this method of traveling, and when the guide struck into the woods where the trail lead alternately over a hilly and swampy country he was soon forced to declare that he could not proceed at such a rapid pace. "You will have to slacken up a bit," Corporal 'Lige shouted, "for the gentleman ain't used to this kind of footin'." "We can't go very slow, else we shan't get to the fort before sunset," Nathan replied indifferently, and Master Phelps said in a tone which admitted of no argument: "It isn't possible for me to keep pace with you. If it so be we fail to finish the journey before dark, we can take lodgings with your father and accomplish our purpose early to-morrow morning." The prospect of introducing to his father guests who would pay for all they received, was so satisfactory to young Beman that he made no protest at being thus forced to slacken pace. It may be he was unnecessarily slow from this time out, for it was already dark when they arrived at the guide's home, and Nathan said to Master Phelps before entering the building: "I'll tell father you folks want to stay all night, and that's as much as I need say. If you count on explaining why you have come, it's none of my business. The officer what hired me said I was to keep quiet about everything I'd seen down to the camp, so I might as well begin by holding my tongue." Then Nathan ushered the guests into the kitchen, where was found Mr. Beman sitting by the fireplace, for the night had grown cold and chill, while his wife was preparing the supper. "Here are some travelers who want to stay all night," Nathan announced, and added in a lower tone to Isaac, "Come out to the barn with me while I do my chores; there's no fun in sittin' here." Five minutes later the three men followed the boys, and Isaac fancied it was Master Phelps' intention to explain to the farmer the purpose of their coming, but that he feared to do so in the presence of the mistress of the household, who, if her son had quoted her words correctly, favored the king's representatives rather than the colonists in the doings which had lately arisen. Nathan took good care that his new friend should perform a full share of the evening's work, and Isaac assisted in milking the cows, carrying water, and chopping wood until he had of a surety earned as bountiful a spread as could be set before him. The farmer and his guests did not appear until they had been summoned twice after the appetizing meal was placed upon the table, and while she was impatiently awaiting them, Mrs. Beman questioned her son sharply as to what business his father could have with the strangers.