“You surely are one of us this afternoon, sir, and much better fitted to say how we may ferret out the plot with the least danger to ourselves.” Before Master Sawyer could make reply, I interrupted, fearing lest we forget the promise which had been much the same as made: “Remember, Gabriel, that a messenger was to be sent back to the general, if we could not return before midnight, and since this matter may require some considerable time, I propose that he be made acquainted with what little we have already learned.” The dear lad agreed with me promptly, and then came the question of who would act the part of messenger. None of the lads were like to turn their backs willingly at such a time, therefore were several minutes spent in drawing lots, and Jared Green was the one finally chosen. I pitied him because of the disappointment written on his face, knowing how I should have felt under the same circumstances, but was not generous enough to offer an exchange of places with him. “You may repeat all that which we have heard, and say it is our intention to learn more regarding this thing before returning; but beg of my brother that he do not send any of the troopers here because of thinking the danger may be too great. This is a matter belonging to the Minute Boys entirely, and we should be allowed to work it out ourselves, with the aid of Master Sawyer.” “You will be working it out entirely alone, lad, for I count myself as one of the company, and under your command,” Master Sawyer said quickly, and then Jared, with a glance of both sorrow and envy at our little company, rode away. “Now that we are ready for business, lad, I have a proposition to make,” Master Sawyer said, speaking hurriedly as if believing that time pressed. “The smith may not have told us all the truth to-day, and I dare venture to say he did not, but still am allowing there was somewhat in his talk which we may believe. He said the old negro could leave his shack in the thicket without coming past the forge. Now if that be the case, then shall we find the trail on this left-hand side of the road. Therefore do I suggest that we ride slowly along, and when we come to anything which looks like a path, follow it, to the end that we may come upon those who are waiting for us in the rear, thus gaining no slight advantage.” There could have been no objection made to this proposition, for it smacked of sound common sense, although some of our party doubted if Master Rowe had mingled any truth in that tale of his--questioning whether the messenger which went to the Davis plantation had not gone directly from the forge; but Master Sawyer disputed that belief by saying: “If there had been enemies waiting in the vicinity of the forge, we should have been fired upon when we turned as if to go back to the plantation.”