“Because of a mistake,” said Ezra, his face flushed as he called to mind the fact that the mistake was not corrected.
The soldier of fortune seemed to divine this feeling; he slapped Ezra upon the back.
“No,” said he, “never be ashamed that you did not undeceive him. What you did was for the best.” Then, with another look at George, “I scarcely blame the old gentleman for his blunder. Your brother is most marvelously like you.”
Here George said eagerly to Ezra:
“You have seen grandfather?”
“Twice while in Boston. He is well.”
“But as staunch for the King as ever?”
“Yes.”
They had left the guard and were making their way along a narrow road, the horses, under care of the Porcupine, following. Nat now spoke.
“That you have been in Boston,” said he to Ezra, “is astonishing news. But that you have slipped out again seems almost impossible.”