Gage nodded.
“Yes; the admiral spoke to me of it at the time. He said that you had peculiar persuasive powers,” with a laugh. “Indeed it was his opinion that no one could resist you if you chose to set yourself to convince him.”
“The admiral is most flattering,” spoke Lieutenant Chesbrook. “But then, I’ve given him proof upon more than one occasion, so he speaks from personal knowledge. But what I was about to say was this: I intend riding with Lieutenant-Colonel Smith’s column to-night; and I think if this boy,” indicating Nat, “were permitted to accompany me, he would be of considerable service.”
“In what way?”
“In several—but more especially in recognizing and pointing out persons whom it would be worth while taking into custody.”
Gage’s eyes snapped.
“Bravo!” exclaimed he. “That is a most excellent idea. It never occurred to me. Take him, by all means.”
“Thank you,” said Chesbrook, and his cold eyes had an odd expression as they measured Nat from head to foot.
But in reply to the look, Nat merely laughed.
“You surely do not think,” said he, “that I will recognize and point out people, as you put it, or, betray my friends, as I would put it, just at your request.”