"How is it you didn't recognize me when you saw me in the tree?"
"I couldn't make sure, because I couldn't get a fair look at you."
"How is it, too, that you are abroad at this time, when the Indians and Tories are playing havoc in the valley?"
"That's just the reason," was the ready response of Worrell. "A party of them came so near my home that I had to dig out. That was day before yesterday, and I have been roaming about the woods ever since, not daring to go back home again."
"What did they do with your family?"
"I haven't got any family, so there was nothing done with them."
"What were you doing when you observed me?"
"I had just reached that rock and had sat down to rest myself, when I was scared by happening to look toward you and seeing you climbing the tree. I have been dodging the redskins and Tories all of two days, and have had pretty sharp work, I can tell you, and a good many narrow escapes. I had three scrimmages with redskins, and came so near losing my scalp in the last case that I have been mighty careful ever since as to how I went up to a stranger and shook hands with him till I was pretty sure he was a friend, which is why I waited so long with you."
"Well, you were cautious, indeed, but perhaps it was as well, for one can't be too careful at such a time as this."
"Then I take it you're dodging the same parties that I am?" said Worrell, taking a seat on the log, as if he meant to unite forces with the little party.