"I'll be back as soon as I can," Jacob cried as he rode away, and Enoch turned his attention to the returning troops, finding much to interest him as the different regiments marched into the encampment, filing to the right or the left to occupy their old quarters.
He saw Seth as the latter's company came up among the last, and, but for his promise to Jacob, would have followed in order to learn where his friend might be found later.
Finally the last of the soldiers arrived; the camp resumed its wonted air, much as though twenty-five hundred men had not marched out full of hope, and come back again dispirited, if not disheartened.
One, two, three hours passed, and Jacob was yet absent.
Enoch had about decided to leave his unprofitable station, regardless of the trouble it might cause Master Ludwick to find him, and seek out Seth, when he was accosted by a soldier whose face looked familiar, but whose identity he could not recall.
"So you got into the Continental camp sooner than you expected, eh? It was a good bit of work you did, but, save for the urgency of the case, I could wish you had never left town."
"It seems to me I have met you before; but I can't remember where," and Enoch looked at the man scrutinizingly.
"It isn't strange you should fail to know me in this garb; I was dressed as a farmer when you saw me last."
"You are the one who talked with us on the day of the carnival!"
"Exactly, and now perhaps you can understand why I am sorry because it became necessary for you to leave town."