_Henry_. "Pray, father, what is a muster-roll?"

_Gen. P_. "A paper, my son, on which the names of the soldiers are
registered."

_Henry_. "Why did Crosby wish to see that?"

_Gen. P_. "I was going to tell you. He wished to ascertain who had
joined the company."

_William_. "Did the captain show him the roll?"

_Gen. P_. "Yes; and carefully did Crosby run over the names.

"'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?'