"That is not your misfortune," the man replied. "You can be as loyal to the king in the colonies as if you had been born in London."
"And if we had been born there we might consider it our duty to be loyal to him; but inasmuch as we are Philadelphia boys the case is different," Jacob replied boldly, despite Enoch's warning glance.
"It is safer to keep the matter a secret if you count on being disloyal," the man said with a grin.
"That is impossible in our case, for two who have been in prison five weeks would be distrusted if they suddenly conceived a love for the king."
"So General Howe believes you are dangerous characters, eh? It seems as if he was afraid of the boys quite a considerable, for I have heard tell how he had old Chris Ludwick's son locked up."
"So he did, and I happen to be that son."
"You?" the man exclaimed with a pretense of surprise. "And who is this with you?"
"It is Enoch Ball. But hark you, friend, I don't understand that you have got any right to ask questions, and perhaps I have given you all the information necessary."
Jacob spoke sharply, for there came into his mind the thought that this stranger was displaying altogether too much interest in what did not concern him personally.
"I don't allow you have," the man replied, glancing furtively around, as if to make certain there were no eavesdroppers near. "If you are Chris Ludwick's son, you was jailed by the Britishers for helping one Seth Graydon, said to be a spy, escape from prison."