I could not read what was writ, for the writing was in strange signs and figures; so presently I gave over trying and looked up at my prisoner, who now had dressed again. "You are Captain Moucher?" He denied it hoarsely; but I, having now no vestige of doubt concerning this miserable man's identity, ignored his answer. "What is this paper which was taken from your boot?" He seemed to find no word of explanation, but breathed harder and watched my eyes. "Is it writ in a military cipher?" "I do not know." "How came these papers in your boot?" He stammered out that somebody who had cleansed his boots must have dropped them in, and that, in pulling on his boots that morning, he had neither seen nor felt the papers. "Where did you dress this morning?" "At the Johnson Arms in Johnstown." "You wear the uniform of an officer in the Canajoharie Regiment. Are you attached to that regiment?" He said he was; then contradicted himself, saying he had been obliged to borrow the clothing from an officer because, while bathing in the Mohawk at Caughnawaga, his own clothing had been swept into the water and engulfed. Over this lie he was slow in speech, and stammered much, licking his dry lips, and his reddish, furtive eyes travelling about him as though his stealthy mind were elsewhere. "Do you recollect that we supped in company at Johnson Hall--you and I--and not so long ago?" I demanded. He had no remembrance. "And Lieutenant Hare and Captain Watts were of the company?" He denied acquaintance with these gentlemen. "Or Hiakatoo?" Had never heard of him. I bade Joe lay more dry wood on the fire and kick it well, for the sphagnum moss still dulled it. And, when it flared redly, I rose and walked close to the prisoner. "What are you doing here?" He had merely come out of curiosity to see the camp at Summer House. "In disguise?" He had no other clothing, and meant no harm. If we would let him go he would engage to return to Albany and never again to wear any clothing to which he was not entitled. "Oh. Who was your mate there in the orchard, who also wore the Canajoharie regimentals?" I demanded. An acquaintance made en passant, nothing more. He did not even know his name. "I'll tell you his name," said I. "That man was Lieutenant Hare. And you are Captain Moucher. You are spies in our camp. We've taken you; we ought to take him before midnight. "The paper I have of you is writ in British military cipher. "Now, before I send you to Colonel Dayton, with my report of this examination, what have you to confess that I might add to my report, in extenuation?" He made no answer. Presently a fit of ague seized him, so that he could scarce stand. Then he reeled sideways and, by accident, set foot in the live coals. And instantly went clean crazed with fright. As the Oneida caught him by the shoulder, to steady him, he shrieked and cowered, grasping Joe's arm in his terror.