“Did you see Captain Verney?� asked Tom.
“Yes. I am a bit afraid of him. When he came through the hall I had to turn my back because my garter was coming down.
“Your mother and I bargained for my eggs and at last the maid took them. Then I whispered, ‘Could I see thee alone?’ She said ‘Yes’ and took me into the parlor.
“I said: ‘Mrs. Markham, thou hast no need to be troubled. The boys are safe at Valley Forge. The horses ran away.’
“When I said this she cried, and just sat down and said: ‘I have been so distressed, but—I knew—Tom—was to be trusted.’�
“Oh!� exclaimed Tom, “did my mother say that?�
“Yes, she said that. I think the less you fellows say at home of the runaway the better for you and your friend, Captain Verney. You see, the lost map will make a heap of trouble for him—and for you, too, if you are not careful.
“Then your mother began to ask questions, but I said I was in a hurry, and that on New Year’s Eve she must get a pass for a chaise and man to meet you on the west side of the middle ferry about nine at night. I said, too, ‘Thy boys may have difficulty about a map. Best to see them alone before Brimstone can question them. It was very foolish for them to run away with that map.’
“When I spoke of the map she laughed and said: ‘Was that why the horses ran away? Oh, Tom, Tom!’
“Then I said: ‘They can’t do anything to your boys.’