"Crosby thanked him, and said he would gladly accept his kind invitation.
"'Allow me to ask,' said the soldier, 'your advice, as to the part which a true friend of his country should take, in these times?'
"'Do I understand you?' inquired the stranger—his keen eye settling on the steady countenance of Crosby—'do you wish to know, which party a real patriot should join?'
"'I do,' said Crosby.
"'Well! you look like one to be trusted——'
"'I hope I am honest,' replied Crosby.
"'Why,' observed the stranger, 'one mus'n't say much about oneself, in these days; but——but——some of my neighbours would advise you to join the lower party.'
"'Why so?' asked Crosby.
"'Why, friend, they read, that we must submit to the powers that be; and, besides, they think king George is a good friend to America, notwithstanding all that is said against him.'
"'Could you introduce me to some of your neighbours of this way of thinking?' asked Crosby.