“An’ yet nevertheless shall I make the attempt,” the lad said stoutly and in a tone which showed that it was useless to combat the decision. “It seems to me that ever since we set out to do whatsoever we might for the Cause, all our time has been spent in capturin’ that Tory cur, only to have him give us the slip later. Now he is in our power, an’ instead of turnin’ him over to some one else, I will make certain that he works no further mischief.” I did not continue the argument, and for two reasons. The first because I was convinced it would be useless to make any attempt at dissuading Abraham from that upon which he had resolved, and again, I realized that instead of standing there where the surrounding enemy was cut off from our view, we were neglecting in some degree, I could not say exactly how, Seth Hartley’s interests. Therefore it was I said with more of irritation in my tone than was warranted: “We must go back where we can keep watch, lest somethin’ should suddenly demand our goin’ to Seth’s assistance. Once there, however, let us be guarded in speech, for Luther Stedman believes we have it in mind to murder him, an’ I would not so far relieve his anxiety as to let him understand that we only count on holdin’ him prisoner. Because he has escaped scot free twice before, ordinary captivity will not cause him any great uneasiness.” Abraham started back toward the platform of twigs as if eager to put an end to the conversation lest we insist that he abandon the plan in his mind, and once gaining that slight refuge from the water and mud, we looked out again upon the scene presented by the enemy. So far as could be judged, the slight noise we made in capturing Luther had not aroused any suspicion. The marines were loitering here and there; the sailors were waiting by their boats, or lying at full length on the sand, and one might say with every assurance that we had thus far done no harm in having given way to our passionate desires. It was while we remained there silently gazing upon the enemy, that I saw the marine who had been pointed out to us as Barney Nelson coming down the incline of the land, as if from the rear of the swamp where we were in hiding, and instantly a great hope sprang up in my heart, which I voiced by whispering to Abraham: “I believe of a verity Seth Hartley has had speech with his friend. Look you! There goes the marine alone, as if havin’ come from the direction where Seth was last seen, an’--” I did not finish the sentence, for at that instant a light splashing of the water could be heard a short distance away, and as we three gazed the form of our British friend appeared among the foliage, with an expression of most intense satisfaction on his face.