The men were mostly lads from neighboring farms, who went home at night, working for their monthly wage for Master Morris because there was not enough to do to keep them busy at home. They cordially greeted the miser’s nephew, for though they were nearly all from Tory families, Hadley was popular with them. Ephraim Morris, however, had but a cold welcome for the stableboy. “Well,” he said, in an unpleasant voice, “what have you got to say for yourself, Hadley?” “About what, uncle?” demanded the boy. “Oh, I’ve heard all about it. I let you work for that innkeeper and this is what it comes to, hey? I thought so--I thought so! Hanging around a place like that would spoil anybody’s morals. I’m surprised at you, Hadley--and your mother was a good woman. And for you, who were born a British subject on English soil yourself, to help these crazy colonists along--” “But I believe they are right, uncle, just as you believe the king and the king’s men are right.” “Pah! pah!” exclaimed the old man, savagely. “What does a boy like you know of such matters? You have hung about that Jonas Benson, and his inn, which is a hotbed of rebellion, so long that you talk like a lawyer. It is ruining you, and I won’t have a nephew of mine--” “But Master Benson pays you my wages regularly, doesn’t he?” demanded Hadley, before the old man could say anything rash. “Hem--well, I can say he does,” admitted Uncle Ephraim, and subsided for a moment. Soon, however, he started on a new tack. “Who is this English officer who is a guest at the inn, nephew?” he asked. “It is said that he is a great man from York way. And to think that you should oppose a gentleman and an officer of His Majesty’s army!” “I don’t know how great a man he is,” Hadley returned. “He calls himself Colonel Creston Knowles--” The old man started and leaned forward so that his wrinkled face came within the candlelight. Wonder, and an expression which seemed like fear, slowly grew upon his countenance. “Who did you say he was?” he demanded, his lean fingers clutching the edge of the table. “Colonel Creston Knowles, uncle. His daughter, Mistress Lillian, is with him. They have come into Jersey to find a family by our name, I understand. Both of them have asked me about you, sir.” While he said this, Hadley scrutinized Uncle Ephraim closely. The old man was much disturbed, for he sat silent for several minutes and his face showed plainly that he was the man Colonel Knowles was so anxious to see. “Who is Colonel Knowles?” the boy asked, at length. “What does he want to see you for? Is he--is he related to us in any way?” “No, no!” snarled the miser. “He’s nothing to either you or me. I--I don’t know him--I don’t know him, I tell you! Now, go to bed, and don’t disturb me with your questions.”