_Gen. P_. "No: he replied, that he was too much fatigued to go much
farther that evening, either above or below; but he believed he should
join himself to a bed, could he find one.

"'Well,' said the stranger, 'listen to me; it will soon be dark--go
with me--I live but a short distance from this--you shall be welcome.'

"Crosby thanked him, and said he would gladly accept his kind
invitation.

"'Allow me to ask,' said the soldier, 'your advice, as to the part
which a true friend of his country should take, in these times?'

"'Do I understand you?' inquired the stranger--his keen eye settling
on the steady countenance of Crosby--'do you wish to know, which party
a real patriot should join?'

"'I do,' said Crosby.

"'Well! you look like one to be trusted----'

"'I hope I am honest,' replied Crosby.

"'Why,' observed the stranger, 'one mus'n't say much about _oneself_,
in these days; but----but----some of my _neighbours_ would advise you
to join the _lower_ party.'

"'Why so?' asked Crosby.