“We can go on the lake just below Mrs. Tuttle’s house, and skate along the shore home; can’t we, Cousin Faith?” asked Donald, after they had stopped at Mrs. Willis’ house and that of the clergyman.
“Let’s call and get Louise,” suggested Faith.
“Oh, there won’t be time. Look, there goes an English soldier into the shoemaker’s now. The boys all say that the shoemaker is an English spy,” answered Donald.
They were nearly in front of Mr. Trent’s shop now, and Faith noticed that the soldier was the one who had been on the lake the previous day, and who had called her “a little rebel.”
“Come to the back door, Donald. Just a moment, while I speak to Louise. And make ‘Scotchie’ keep still,” said Faith, turning into the path leading to the back door.
“Scotchie” was barking fiercely as if he resented the sight of the redcoat.
The soldier turned quickly. “Stop that dog before I put a bullet into him,” he called.
“He’s afraid,” Donald whispered to Faith, with a word to “Scotchie,” and Faith ran up the path and entered the house.
Donald and “Scotchie” stood waiting, the dog growling now and then, whenever the soldier moved about on the door-step. It was evident that the shoemaker was not at home, for no answer came to the raps. In a moment Louise appeared at the door and told the man that her father was not at home.