I bade Joe lay more dry wood on the fire and kick it well, for the sphagnum moss still dulled it. And, when it flared redly, I rose and walked close to the prisoner.
"What are you doing here?"
He had merely come out of curiosity to see the camp at Summer House.
"In disguise?"
He had no other clothing, and meant no harm. If we would let him go he would engage to return to Albany and never again to wear any clothing to which he was not entitled.
"Oh. Who was your mate there in the orchard, who also wore the Canajoharie regimentals?" I demanded.
An acquaintance made en passant, nothing more. He did not even know his name.
"I'll tell you his name," said I. "That man was Lieutenant Hare. And you are Captain Moucher. You are spies in our camp. We've taken you; we ought to take him before midnight.
"The paper I have of you is writ in British military cipher.
"Now, before I send you to Colonel Dayton, with my report of this examination, what have you to confess that I might add to my report, in extenuation?"