The scouts laughed. “That fits us,” Joe cried, and they started down the slope almost on the run. They arrived at the big barn first, and entered it to find a negro at work. He stared at them a moment in amazement, and then asked gruffly:
“Who be ye? What ye doin’ here?”
“We were comin’ up the river last night, an’ our boat capsized,” Late explained. “Can’t you go to the house an’ get us some clothes an’ food? Tell Mistress Le Geyt we know Ira, who is with General Burgoyne.”
After a little persuasion the servant went off with their message. He was absent some time, but finally appeared with his arms full of old clothing.
“Missus says ye are to get inter these, an’ then come to the house,” he said. “She wants to talk with ye.”
The boys put on the garments, finding that they fitted fairly well, and then, conducted by the negro, went to the dwelling. Showing them into the living room, the colored man said curtly:
“Sit down. Missus will be here soon.”
Five minutes later a woman of about forty years entered, and with a smile said:
“Caesar tells me you are friends of my eldest son Ira, who is with General Burgoyne. May I ask your names?”
Her visitors told her in turn. “Latham Wentworth and Joseph Fisher,” she repeated. “I don’t recall the names; that is, I don’t recollect that Ira ever spoke of you. How long have you known my son?”