"'More like cannon,' said the farmer—'loud talk below, I rather guess.'
"'Hard times for Washington just now,' observed Crosby, 'and some think pretty justly.'
"'Why,' said the farmer, 'why—it won't do to speak all one thinks— but—well—why don't you turn soldier—you look as though you could fight, upon a pinch?'
"'Well, I think, I might,' said Crosby. 'Have you any place of enlistment hereabouts, that a body could join, if one were so minded?'
"'Why,' replied the farmer, 'I don't know but I could put you in a way, if you are one of the right sort of men.'
"'What sort do you wish?' inquired Crosby.
"'Oh, lower party men—they are more fashionable hereabouts.'
"'Well, I like to be in the fashion, wherever I am,' observed Crosby.
"'Good!' said the farmer, 'do you see yonder mountain, west?'
"'I do,' replied Crosby.