"That is all. Come here precisely at four o'clock. Of course you understand that this matter must be mentioned to no one. You are merely going down to the fort to look at some iron-work which needs repairing. I need not tell you that the service is a dangerous one; but if you succeed, the reward shall be in proportion to the danger." Caspar, finding himself dismissed, walked slowly back to his quarters, resolving many things in his mind. He saw clearly that he was indebted to his old enemy Captain Burger for being sent on such a troublesome and dangerous service—a service far more perilous than any ordinary engagement, since, if discovered and taken, he was certain to be hung. The business was one peculiarly disagreeable to him. His sympathies were all on the side of the Americans, who were fighting for their liberty against almost hopeless odds. As to his own prince, he naturally did not feel that he owed any duty to the prince who had sold him like a sheep. Hundreds of the Hessians had deserted, but Caspar could not make up his mind to desert. If for no other reason, he would not give his enemy such a triumph. "I can only go where I am sent," said he, at last. "Perhaps, after all, this may be the opening of the door for which I have been praying." The afternoon was spent in making his preparations. He secured the small sum of money which he had earned and saved, wrapped up his Bible and put it in an inner pocket, and wrote a long letter to his wife, which he carried to the old sergeant, begging him to send it as soon as possible. "What! You are going down the river, I hear?" said the old man. "I suppose you will be back in a few days. I wish the stupid English would mend their own tools and let us alone. There is not a smith in the whole army who can manage a horse as you can. But you will be back soon, eh?" "There is no telling," said Caspar. "Farewell, Father Martin, and many thanks for all your kindness. If you ever go back, go and see my wife at Nonnenwald." "Why, one would think you were going to your death," said old Martin, struck by something in Caspar's manner. "You don't mean to desert, eh?" "Not I," answered Caspar; "but there are things one must not tell, you know." "I believe Burger has been playing you some dog's trick or other," said Martin. "If he has, I will put a nail in his shoe for it. I know all about him and his family; he is no more a gentleman than I am. Yes, yes! I can tell things." "Do nothing for my sake, Father Martin," said Caspar, earnestly. "The man has always been my enemy, but I have no desire for revenge. Farewell, and present my duty to our colonel." Punctually at four o'clock Caspar repaired to the general's quarters, where he received his pass, a well-filled purse, and the hearty good wishes of the general. "You have settled in your mind precisely what you will do?" "As far as I can beforehand, Your Excellency;" and Caspar proceeded to explain his design.