“‘To-morrow,’ said the principal, ’you shall go to head quarters, where, my word for it, you’ll swing without much ceremony.  The committee will never take the trouble to try you again, and Townsend declares that he wishes only to come once more within gun shot of you.’

“‘Is it so?’ asked Crosby.

“‘Even so’—­replied the stranger—­’your time is short.’

“Crosby was seldom alarmed—­but now he could perceive real danger.  Could he be fairly tried he might escape—­but to be delivered into Townsend’s hands, and perhaps the Committee of Safety at a distance—­ he might, indeed, come to harm.

“He had one resort—­he could show his pass, and it might save him.  Accordingly, drawing it forth, he presented it to his captors; ’Read that,’ said he, ‘and then say, whether I am worthy of death.’

“Astonishment sat on the countenances of both while they read the pass.  When it was finished, the principal observed, ’I am satisfied—­ we have been deceived—­others are deceived also;—­you are at liberty to go where you please.  This is the hand-writing of Mr. Jay—­I know it well.’

“Crosby might, perhaps, have staid where he was through the night—­but his feelings were such, that he preferred to seek other lodgings.  Accordingly, shouldering his pack, he set forth in quest of a resting place; which at the distance of a couple of miles, he was so fortunate as to obtain.

“But he was destined to other troubles.  Scarcely had he laid aside his pack, and taken a seat near a comfortable fire, before a man entered, whom he was sure that he had seen before.

“At the same time, the stranger cast upon him an eye of deep scrutiny, and increasing severity.

“’A cool evening abroad’—­observed Crosby.

“The stranger made no reply—­but springing upon his feet, darted upon him, like a fiend.

“’Now, I know you’—­exclaimed he—­’I thought it was you.  You are the villain who betrayed us to the Committee of Safety.  Clear out from the house quickly, or I’ll call one of my neighbours, who says that if he ever sees you again, he’ll suck your very heart’s blood.’

“‘Ah!’ said Crosby, quite calm and collected—­’perhaps’—­

“’Leave this house instantly’—­vociferated the man, now nearly choked with rage—­’but before you go, take one pounding.’

“‘A pounding!’ exclaimed Crosby, in contempt—­’Come then,’—­rising like a lion from his lair—­’Come,’—­said he, at the same time rolling up his sleeves, and showing a pair of fists, which resembled a trip-hammer for hardness.

“’Come on, and I’ll try you a pull’—­the muscles of his arm contracting, and lying out like cart-ropes the whole length—­from shoulder to wrist—­and his countenance, at the same time, looking as terrific as a madman’s—­’Come on,’ said he.”

[Illustration]

“’Why! we-we-ll—­upon the whole’—­said the man—­’I—­I—­think I’ll let you off, if you’ll never set foot here again.’