Abel Norton would have been astounded had he known where the "safe hiding-place" was toward which the young spy was hastening, for he walked on down the lane until he came to the corner, and went straight through the main entrance into the City Arms. He stamped the snow from his heels and was hailed by a group of officers, who made room for him at the table. He but half listened to the conversation, until some one slapped his shoulder.
"Come, come, recall your wandering thoughts!"
William gathered his wits together with an effort.
"I have just discovered," said an officer, "that despatches of the greatest moment are passing between New England and General Washington's army. We are quite as anxious to find out what his move will be as he is to ascertain ours. You know something of the country over yonder?"
"Yes," replied William, "I was born and reared there."
A stranger in an ill-fitting uniform had been listening to the talk. He now leaned across the table and addressed a question to the two speakers.
"Your name is Frothingham, I believe, sir?"
"Yes, sir," answered William.
"Are you a relation of that family at Stanham Manor? I am a New Jersey man in the King's service."
"I am," was the reply.