"I can hardly blame my countrymen, though I could not make up my own mind to desert," said Caspar. "I don't very well see how I can return now if I wish it ever so much." "Under other circumstances you might be exchanged," said Captain Elmer. "As it is, such a move might provoke inconvenient inquiries. My serious advice to you, Reinhart, is to remain where you are till your strength returns, and then go to work at your trade. You will find no trouble in supporting yourself and laying up money.—I think you said you had a wife and family?" "Yes; I have, or had, a wife and four children at home." "Well, this war cannot last for ever, and it can end only in one way," said Captain Elmer, who, like most Americans, had not the slightest doubt of the success of his country's cause. * * This hopeful spirit was never stronger than in the darkest days of the Revolution. "By that time, you may probably have enough beforehand to send for your wife and children, and settle yourselves comfortably where your boys can grow up in a free country and be as good as anybody." Caspar drew a deep breath. "That sounds very nice," said he; "but—" "Well, but what?" "I can hardly tell," said Caspar, "but the future looks dark to me. I fear I shall never do a day's work again." "Nonsense! You will be as well as ever in a month." "And where shall I find work, supposing I am able to do it?" "Where shall you not find it, you might better say," returned Captain Elmer, with a little impatience. "Anywhere! Here in Greenwich—up in Bridgeton, where the greatest fool that ever slung a sledge is worth his weight in gold, let alone a clever workman like yourself. There is my uncle's forge suffering for want of a journeyman this minute. Don't be so downhearted, man!" "See here, Jonathan Elmer: if it wasn't interfering with thy arrangements, I should say thee was making Caspar talk more than was good for him, considering that he has been sitting up all the morning without anything to eat. Hadn't thee better stop now and let him have something?" said Recompense Joake, appearing at the door with his usual long face and a tray filled with good things for his patient. "I dare say you are right," said Captain Elmer.—"Reinhart, why didn't you tell me I was tiring you to death?" "If thee wasn't inexperienced in the ways of sick folks, I should say that was a foolish question," said Recompense, who seemed to find it necessary to put all his propositions hypothetically, as the logicians say. As he spoke, he quietly and quickly brought a small stand to the side of Caspar's arm-chair, arranged his provisions thereon, and brought the patient a basin of cool water to refresh his face and hands before eating. "I declare, Recompense, you are a jewel!" said the captain, struck with admiration. "You are as handy as an old woman. You ought to be head-nurse in a hospital."