"Phil has made a good friend, at any rate," said Ralph. "Sort of adopted you, Phil. Those savage fellows mean something when they take a fancy to a fellow. I'll wager you hear from this man again. That funny piece of wood he gave you was the most precious thing he possessed. I know these savages. When I was in the South Sea Islands, a sailor saved the life of a drowning native. The day we left, that grateful native came down to the ship with over one hundred mates, beating tom-toms and hauling aboard a whole wagon load of presents." Andy listened to Ralph with a suspicious sidelong look. Ralph was continually alluding to this and that remote spot on the globe where he had been, and to Andy it was really remarkable the wide experience of a person so young. "This poor 'Sachem' hasn't many presents to give, I fancy," said Phil, "but it's just as important to have his good will. The Indians could annoy us a good deal, with the Tories behind them. I don't think this man will ever train with them again though. There's the mill, Ralph," proceeded Phil. "Mr. Eaton has told you what to do, so we will follow the leader until you find out how safe it is for us to try and get into Boston." "Mr. Eaton told me to see a man named Jewett," explained Ralph. "He lives in the settlement here. I suppose the first move is to locate him." The boys got nearer to the river and followed its shore until they came to a little cluster of houses. Ralph entered the yard of one of these, went to the front door of the house and knocked. He soon came back to Phil and Andy. "The woman in that house has directed me to Jewett's place," said Ralph. "It's farther down the river." At Mr. Jewett's house Ralph remained inside for some time. "Did you see your man?" inquired Andy, as Ralph returned to them. "No, but I saw Mrs. Jewett. She asked me all kinds of questions, as if to make sure that I really came from Mr. Eaton. Everybody here acts with suspicion, and all on the tip-toe of excitement. The woman told me to go to Dockrell's Mill. I reckon her husband is there. She thought it over a good deal, and made me tell my story clear through before she decided to send me to the mill though." "We'll soon be in Boston, I hope," said Andy, as they moved forward once more. They finally made out the mill and some surrounding buildings in the distance. The boys were chatting animatedly, when, passing some bushes, all of a sudden a sharp, commanding voice spoke the word: "Halt!" All three stood stock-still, for from behind the bushes appeared a man, leveling a musket. He had the bearing of a person who would fire at the least provocation, as he craned his neck to make out the faces of the party he challenged. "Who are you?" he demanded, as Phil stepped forward. "My name is Warrington," Phil explained, "I live in Boston, and am trying to get there with my two friends here." The sentry, for such he apparently was, laughed outright.