"Mother will be glad to have you there. Try to hear all the officers talk about; but do not let it appear that you are listening."
"Don't fear for me. Shall we walk a mile or so with you?"
"It would do no good, and might not be safe. Tell mother I shall be back to-night, or early to-morrow morning, for I don't intend to let the grass grow under my feet."
"Keep out of the Britishers' way, or we may have to go down to the town-house in order to see you again," Enoch said with a furtive hand-clasp as the three separated, two to go to Drinker's Alley, and the third to render to the cause what service was in his power.
CHAPTER II.
UNDER ARREST.
There was no doubt in Seth's mind but that it would be comparatively easy to perform the mission which he had taken upon himself.
He believed the only difficulty to overcome would be that of finding Colonel Powers, or an officer equal or superior to him in rank.
So far as making an excursion on the Delaware Road was concerned, it seemed an exceedingly simple matter, and Seth thought, as he set off at his best pace, that it was possible a fellow could aid the cause very materially without being called upon to endure much suffering, or to perform any severe work.
He met several of the country people coming into the city with poultry, eggs or butter, they being quick to take advantage of the fact that the road had been lately cleared of market-stoppers by the raid which resulted in making of Ezra Grimshaw a prisoner.
During the first half-hour of his journey he fancied that every person he met looked at him scrutinizingly, as if suspicious because he had left the city; but this sensation soon wore away as the time passed and no one molested him, after which he really began to enjoy this impromptu excursion.