"Not a bit of it, and for this reason: The Americans might seize my horse, and pay for it with an order on Congress, or the British might do the same thing and give me English gold. In either case I should be the loser, if I was really what I represent myself, for horses can't be purchased readily even though one is willing to pay a big price, and that fact is well known. Only those farmers living near the town, and who are assured of General Howe's protection because of their Tory sentiments, venture with their beasts where it is so easy to lose them."
It was half an hour past midnight when they had arrived opposite the Carpenter mansion, and there, to Enoch's alarm, they were halted by a patrol.
"It's only me, cap'n," Greene said when the command to halt was given.
"You still believe in the luck of being first at the market-place, Daniel," the sergeant in command of the squad said with a laugh.
"And it is luck, cap'n. I haven't missed of sellin' all I've brought a single day since you Britishers come here."
"And you think that wouldn't be the case if some one got in ahead of you?"
"It mightn't be."
"But there are plenty who don't arrive until daylight, and yet sell all their wares."
"I allow that's a fact, cap'n dear; but who gets the best price? The early bird like me what can afford to haggle for an extra sixpence, or them as have only time enough to sell out and get home before dark?"
"There may be some truth in that, my man; you appear to be a rare one for driving bargains. But who is this with you?"