"'Will you join us?' asked the captain, when Crosby had finished looking at the roll.
"'They are all strangers to me,' said Crosby, 'and besides, I fear that the roll may fall into the hands of the Americans—then, what will become of us?'
"'No fear of that,' said the captain. 'Come with me, and see how we manage.'
"Crosby was now led into a large meadow, at no great distance, in which stood a large stack of hay.
"'Look at this stack, sir—what do you think of this?'
"'It is monstrous,' said Crosby. 'Why so much hay in one stack?'
"'Not so much neither, replied the captain, 'it isn't every one that knows how to manage—here, take a look inside,' at the same time drawing aside some long hay, which concealed an apartment within.
"Crosby started. The stack was hollow—capable of holding at least fifty men."
"'Ha! ha! ha!' roared out the captain, 'you are afraid the muster roll will fall into bad hands—are you? Well, what think you now? Is that likely, when we know how to manage? Many a rebel has passed by this stack, but he hadn't brains enough to think what was inside. Come, my good fellow, shall I enter your name?'