“Do you believe he would take Colonel Allen’s money and then betray him?”
“I am certain a lad who would haggle for six shillings under such circumstances as this would sell out to the next man who 126 offered half as much more, and the colonel was of the same mind after I’d mentioned the matter.”
“I don’t see why I should go.”
“Don’t you want to?” the corporal asked in surprise.
“Of course it would be more pleasant than marching with the troops; but still I can’t understand what good it is possible for me to do.”
“I don’t reckon you will be of any service; but the boy had taken a notion to have you with him, so it seemed like a good chance for me to put my oar in, and between the two of us I reckon he won’t have much show of playing double.”
In a very few seconds the corporal and Isaac had made their preparations for the journey, which simply consisted in gathering up all their belongings, much to the surprise 127 of the lad, who questioned whether, if they were to go to the fort apparently from motives of curiosity, it was well they carried muskets.
“If it seems necessary we can leave them where this boy lives; but it is certain we cannot depend on any one else bringing our luggage along for us, so take what we own, lad, an’ then be at home wherever we stop.”
When the two returned to headquarters they found Master Phelps awaiting their coming, and Nathan kept close and suspicious watch upon each person and everything within his range of vision.
The messenger from the General Assembly had made a very decided change in his personal appearance, and Isaac was forced to look twice before feeling positive this was the same Master Phelps whom he had seen a few moments before.