"From New York, but I would go on to the westward, and must hurry or I will be caught."
"Oh!" said the woman. "Come in by the fire. You are alone?"
"Yes," was the response.
The boy, who at first had looked suspiciously from the stranger to the tall figure of his mother, placed the blunderbuss in the corner, and the three walked into the kitchen.
"Are you going to join the army?" inquired the woman at length.
"I am in the army," was the reply; "but I must hasten. I have just been rowed across the river, and should I be captured it might go hard with me."
"I understand," said the woman, "and I will assist you if I can."
"You will be well paid," rejoined the young officer.
"Do not think of it," answered the woman. "I have given one son; and my husband and brother are with Washington. We must give our all. I can see what you have been afraid to tell. You have escaped. One has to be careful. Might I ask you your name?"
"Frothingham."