declares that he wishes only to come once more within gun shot of
you.'

"'Is it so?' asked Crosby.

"'Even so'--replied the stranger--'your time is short.'

"Crosby was seldom alarmed--but _now_ he could perceive real danger.
Could he be fairly tried he might escape--but to be delivered into
Townsend's hands, and perhaps the Committee of Safety at a distance--
he might, indeed, come to harm.

"He had _one_ resort--he could show his _pass_, and it might save him.
Accordingly, drawing it forth, he presented it to his captors; 'Read
that,' said he, 'and then say, whether I am worthy of death.'

"Astonishment sat on the countenances of both while they read the
pass. When it was finished, the principal observed, 'I am satisfied--
we have been deceived--others are deceived also;--you are at liberty
to go where you please. This is the hand-writing of Mr. Jay--I know it
well.'

"Crosby might, perhaps, have staid where he was through the night--but
his feelings were such, that he preferred to seek other lodgings.
Accordingly, shouldering his pack, he set forth in quest of a resting
place; which at the distance of a couple of miles, he was so fortunate
as to obtain.

"But he was destined to other troubles. Scarcely had he laid aside his
pack, and taken a seat near a comfortable fire, before a man entered,