They were speaking of certain vessels which would arrive most likely before sunrise; of yet more troops to come, and before having passed out of earshot referred to the defenceless position of our fleet at Presque Isle, although not putting it as strong as was the fact. All this my father knew full well from rumors which had been brought to him by the people round about, and also through messages sent by General Porter of Black Rock. We had gained nothing especial save the confirmation of his fears, and it surely seemed as if now was come the moment when we could discover all it was necessary our people should know. Such thought was in my mind when Alec pressed my arm to attract attention, and motioned that we follow the group. I was not averse to obeying him, for at that moment danger was forgotten. It was not a simple matter to thus play the part of spies successfully, and in order to avoid discovery we were forced to remain at such a distance in the rear that only now and then was it possible to catch a word of the conversation. Intent on discovering the time set for the attack, we became more heedless, and gave attention only to those in advance, when, without the slightest warning, we came full upon a squad of soldiers most likely sent out to relieve the sentinels. So near were we to these redcoats before they discovered us, or we them, that I might, by stretching out my hand, have touched the foremost, and for an instant they must have believed us a portion of the force from the encampment. One of them hailed us in a friendly manner, asking where we were bound, and another continued on as if to pass us by. Had we been quicker witted I believe there was a chance of giving them the slip; but our silence, and the attempt on Leon’s part to make his way into the bushes, betrayed us. The man nearest touched me on the shoulder, and with the weight of his hand there came into my mind full knowledge of the imminent peril which threatened. Taken prisoners now, it was reasonable to suppose some one might recognize us as the lads who had been captured three months before, and there could no longer be any question but that we were spies. It would be almost certain death to yield, and the position of affairs could not be rendered worse by resistance. “We must never be taken!” I said half to myself, and for an instant it was as if I had in my arms the strength of a dozen men. Wresting, by a sudden movement, the musket from the hands of the man who would have made me his prisoner, I struck out right and left, and in an instant we three lads were fighting desperately, as will even rats when they find themselves cornered. CHAPTER VII. IN HIDING. It is impossible for me to describe of my own knowledge all that took place during five minutes or more after I grappled with the Britisher.