There seemed to be a perfect understanding between the planter and the dragoons, but as he recognized Tom, Harwood’s flush deepened into one of anger. “Ha, Master Deering, is it?” cried he, loudly. “I thought it was a troop of horse from the way you came charging up the path.” Tom passed the bridle over his arm, and leaning against the chestnut’s shoulder he stood looking up at the group upon the high steps of the mansion. “I am very sorry that I startled you,” he said. At this the dragoons burst into a roar of laughter. “He’s sorry he startled us,” bellowed one, his face purple with glee. “By the Lord Harry, but that’s good! A snip of a boy startle a lot of king’s officers.” Once more the laughter rang out. Tom looked at them composedly enough for a time; but suddenly his face paled, his mouth set, and an angry light began to gather in his eyes. He looked about for Cole; but the giant negro was not to be seen; and, after assuring himself of this the lad breathed a sigh of relief. For, among the officers at Jasper Harwood’s door, he recognized the lieutenant whose brutality had deprived Cole of his speech. The sight of the ruffian filled him with indignation; but he knew that it would hardly do to give vent to it at this time, so he held his peace. “This young blade is a friend of yours, Mr. Harwood, I suppose,” spoke this officer, his voice thick and husky. “He is from a neighboring plantation,” answered Harwood, scowling at Tom, darkly. “Let’s have him in,” cried another. “He seems to be an excellent horseman; let’s see if he’s equally good at other things. Introduce us, I beg of you, to the youth who is good enough to fear that he startled us,” and once more they roared. “That will, perhaps, follow in good time, gentlemen. Meanwhile, don’t let the table be idle; keep your knives and forks. I’ll join you in a few moments.” At this hint the dragoons disappeared into the mansion, and Harwood was left alone with Tom. “So,” said the planter, after a pause, during which his eyes had been searching Tom’s face, “you’ve come, have you?” “Yes, sir,” answered the lad, wondering what the expression upon the man’s face meant. “I thought I’d ride over and see you all.” “I had not thought,” sneered the Tory, “that you would have the courage to face me after what you have done.” Tom drew himself up proudly. “I have done nothing of which I am ashamed,” said he, quietly. “Do you dare stand there and tell me that? Do you tell me to my face that you are not ashamed?” “Anything that I have done I would do again,” declared the boy, boldly. “Oh, I see,” the planter’s sneer returned. “You are saturated with the radical teachings of the mob yonder there in the city. And with your head full of their accursed doctrines you have dared to raise your hand against the king.”