“‘Allow me to ask,’ said the soldier, ’your advice, as to the part which a true friend of his country should take, in these times?’

“‘Do I understand you?’ inquired the stranger—­his keen eye settling on the steady countenance of Crosby—­’do you wish to know, which party a real patriot should join?’

“‘I do,’ said Crosby.

“‘Well! you look like one to be trusted——­’

“‘I hope I am honest,’ replied Crosby.

“‘Why,’ observed the stranger, ’one mus’n’t say much about oneself, in these days; but——­but——­some of my neighbours would advise you to join the lower party.’

“‘Why so?’ asked Crosby.

“’Why, friend, they read, that we must submit to the powers that be; and, besides, they think king George is a good friend to America, notwithstanding all that is said against him.’

“’Could you introduce me to some of your neighbours of this way of thinking?’ asked Crosby.

“‘With all my heart,’ replied the stranger, ’I understand they are about forming a company to go below, and I presume they would be glad to have you join them.’

“‘I do not doubt it,’ observed Crosby.

“‘Well, friend,’ said the stranger, ’say nothing—­rest yourself to night; and, in the morning, I will put you in the way to join our—­ the company.’

“By this time, they had reached the stranger’s dwelling.  It was a farm house, situated a short distance from the main road—­retired, but quite neat and comfortable in its appearance.  Here the soldier was made welcome by the host and his family.  After a refreshing supper, Crosby excused himself—­was soon asleep—­and ‘slept well.’”

John.  “Was that man a tory, father?”

Henry.  “Why, John, you know he was.  It is as clear as day.”

Gen. P.  “Yes, my son, he was a tory—­in heart a firm tory—­but he intended to be cautious.  He intended to ascertain, if possible, which side Crosby favoured, before he expressed his own views.  But, when Crosby asked to be introduced to some of his neighbours, he concluded that if urged, he would go below—­and after this was more unreserved.”

William.  “Did Crosby tell him that he would go below?”

Gen. P.  “No, no, he only asked to be introduced to some of the tories.”

Henry.  “But did he not do wrong to conceal his opinions?”

Gen. P.  “Certainly not.  A person is not under obligation to tell all about his opinions, to every one.  When a man speaks, he should indeed tell that which is true; but he is not bound, unless under certain circumstances, to tell the whole truth.

“Crosby, I said, slept well.  In the morning, a better breakfast than usual graced the farmer’s table, and the keen appetite of the soldier, after a good night’s rest, did it honour.

“When breakfast was over, Crosby reminded his host of his last night’s promise to introduce him to some of his neighbours thereabouts—­ particularly to those, who were about forming a company.