would beat."

"Suppose he did. I hope so too," added Squire Pemberton.

The squire thought, evidently, that this ought to settle the question. If
he hoped so, that was enough.

"Then you are a traitor, too. That's all I've got to say," replied Tom,
boldly.

"You scoundrel! How dare you use such a word to me!" roared the squire, as
he moved towards the blunt-spoken little patriot.

For strategic reasons, Tom deemed it prudent to fall back; but as he did
so, he picked up a couple of good-sized stones.

"I said you were a traitor, and I say so again," said Tom.

"Two can play at that game," added Fred, as he picked up a stone and threw
it at Tom.

The Union force returned the fire with the most determined energy, until
one of the missiles struck the horse attached to the chaise. The animal,
evidently having no sympathy with either party in this miniature contest,
and without considering how much damage he might do the rebel cause,
started off at a furious pace when the stone struck him. He dashed down
the hill at a fearful rate, and bounded away over the plain that led to
the Harbor.

Squire Pemberton and his son had more interest in the fate of the runaway