The cold which had so fortunately followed the veering of the wind upon the night before, freezing the soft road under the feet of the American troops, had here served a like purpose. The river was a solid mass and, after a little examination, Ben had no hesitation in venturing his horse upon it; the footing was strong every step of the way and he arrived upon the far side without any trouble.
“That was a piece of rare fortune,” muttered Ben, as he sat in the saddle and looked back at the long stretch of gray ice; “indeed, it was by far the most uncertain part of the journey.”
With a brief stop upon the river bank to rest his horse he rode forward upon the way to Bristol, and pulled up at the inn at that place some time after dark. There was a cheery light streaming through the inn windows; the sparks that flew from the chimney told of a roaring fire, and the scent of most excellent cooking crept out of the keyholes and under the doors. After his horse had been seen to, Ben was about to enter, when the hostler, a pale little man, with scant light hair, and mild eyes, said rather hesitatingly:
“These be rather uncertain times upon the road, sir.”
“Ay, and every other place,” answered Ben, with a smile.
The pale little hostler shook his head.
“But the road is the worst of all, I think,” said he. “For, you see, sir,” in explanation, “the road is most frequented—especially a road like this. And being a great deal frequented,” ominously, “a great many desperate characters are to be found upon it.”
Ben looked at him; there was something in the mild face which held his attention.
“Ah, yes,” said the lad, “desperate characters. In wild times like these there are many such, no doubt.”
“You may say so, young gentleman, you may say so, indeed. We are in fair terror of some of them, at times. They come here and do as they please; and if we say but a word they threaten our lives.” He paused and one hand stroked the horse’s neck for a moment; then he added: “Perhaps you wouldn’t care to go in there,” with a nod toward the inn door, “if you knew that one of that sort was within.”