Gen. P. "Certainly not. A person is not under obligation to tell all about his opinions, to every one. When a man speaks, he should indeed tell that which is true; but he is not bound, unless under certain circumstances, to tell the whole truth.
"Crosby, I said, slept well. In the morning, a better breakfast than usual graced the farmer's table, and the keen appetite of the soldier, after a good night's rest, did it honour.
"When breakfast was over, Crosby reminded his host of his last night's promise to introduce him to some of his neighbours thereabouts— particularly to those, who were about forming a company.
"'True,' said the farmer, 'I will accompany you. They will welcome such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself. They like men of bone and muscle.'
"In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of the royal cause. Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of serving his country, and as willing to hear what could be said, in favour of joining their standard.
"They had much to say—many arguments to support their way of thinking, and strongly did they urge Crosby to go with them. As he was introduced by the farmer, who was known to be a true tory, they talked without disguise—told their plans—spoke of the company which was forming—and particularly of a meeting, which they were to hold a few nights from that time; and now, said they, 'come and join us.'
"Crosby told them that he should think of their proposition, and rather thought that he should contrive to pay them a visit at the appointed time.
"Little did they think, what sort of a visit the soldier was planning.
"In the course of a couple of days, Crosby had gained all the information he wished, and now determined to depart. He told the farmer, therefore, on the morning of the third day, that it was not worth while for him to wait longer—he had a strong wish to join the army, and believed that he should go along.
"The farmer said some things, by way of persuading Crosby to wait a day or two, when the company would meet, and then he could enlist and go with them.