Caspar repeated the story, which Joses noisily denied, declaring the man was only trying to save his own neck, and deserved hanging more than ever. "Nonsense!" said Thomas Whitecar. "We can't hang a man who has just saved the child's life, and that without any authority or examination. I for one want to know how thy name came into this list of Tories in West Jersey, for that is what it is." "Just so," said Recompense Joake. "And about this peddling business? If it wasn't against the testimony of Friends to bet, I'd bet something that thee sold to the British in Philadelphia the provisions the women got together to send to the sick in our army. I, for one, should like to hear what this Hessian has to say about that. I think things look rather black for thee, Joses." "Anyhow, friends, I vote we take the man home with us and keep him till we can consult Captain Elmer. As Recompense says, I want to hear about this peddling business," said Thomas: "I've had my suspicions before." "Jonathan Elmer!" repeated Caspar. "Yes, Jonathan Elmer," said Recompense. "Thee seems to know the name." "I do, and he knows me," replied Caspar, a ray of hope arising at the name of his former assistant. "Bring me face to face with him, I beseech you; I ask nothing better. Is he of these parts?" "Yes; he lives in Bridgeton. This is his child thee has saved.—Come, friends, let us turn toward home.—Kitty, shall I carry thee?" "No, indeed, thank you!" replied Kitty, disdainfully. "I don't want any one to carry me only Mr. Hessian.—But maybe you are too tired?" she added, looking up in her friend's face. "You carried me so long this morning. Don't your arms ache?" "Not a bit!" answered Caspar, taking her up and kissing her. "I am in your hands, comrades," he added, with a smile. "You see I am in no case to run away." "And that is true. I believe you are an honest fellow, though appearances are against you," said the young man who had been most violent against Caspar. "But you needn't wonder that we hate the Hessians, we Jersey folks.—But I say, friends, what's come of Dandy?" "Sure enough!" said another. "I believe he has slipped away. I've a notion we sha'n't see him again very soon. The rascal! To get so much credit for carrying provisions to our own camp, while all the time he was making money by supplying the British! No wonder he was for hanging this man here in a hurry." "How far are we from the child's home?" asked Caspar. "Only about two miles." It is needless to say with what joy Kitty's arrival was greeted. Her first question was whether her father had come home. "Yes, he came last night, and is out looking for thee," said her aunt. "Oh, Kitty, Kitty! How much trouble thee has made just because thee wouldn't mind!" "I know I have been very naughty," said Kitty, penitently, "and I won't ever do so again—not even if you won't take me to meeting, Aunt Deborah. Oh dear! I wish father would come. I want to tell him how Mr. Hessian drove away the bear."