There was one thing that puzzled every one--the presence of the strange horse that it was supposed George must have picked up somewhere on the Tumble Ridge Road, and while still under the influence of his disordered mind. Burnt into the saddle was the name "Ralston, Hoboken." If the "colt" could have talked, it could have added some astonishing information that would have cleared away the fog of uncertainty. It was thought, however, that the little horse might have escaped from the band of marauders, and that the young man had found him after he had fallen, and had managed to free himself from his bonds. Colonel Hewes's cousin could have solved a great deal of this mystery, but he had gone to Morristown, and had been ordered thence to General Putnam's forces in the southern part of the State. There was some confusion also about the time of day at which things had taken place. But we must return and follow the doings of the royalist Lieutenant, young William Frothingham, after he had closed the door of his old home behind him, and had bade that mysterious adieu to his white-robed sister in the hallway. Her exclamation and her calling him by his brother's name had proved again that the resemblance must be as marvelous as ever. As soon as he had left the house he started on a run toward the old bridge, and taking a lumber path, he waded through the snow, intending to make for the hut of Adam Bent Knee that was in the hollow in the ridge. He knew that the old Indian would give him shelter, and would help him on his way, no matter to what party he belonged. He reached the hut at last. It was built against a bank, and was roofed with bark and slabs of pine. Something had happened here, however, for the interior was torn to pieces. The furs that hung upon the wall were cut and slashed, and a half-barrel of apples had been thrown across the floor. All this had been done quite recently, for there were signs before the door of footprints and horses' hoofs. They led along the lumber path from the summit, and a short distance further on the same tracks were seen going in the opposite direction as if the party had doubled. The latter trail was much the fresher. William followed it.