now. Andy's path must not be discovered! She must do her part.

"Good-day, my pretty lass!" The man halted. Under ordinary
circumstances Ruth would have taken to her fleet feet at this, but Andy
might return too soon, and emerge while yet the enemy could discover
him.

"Berrying?" grinned the fellow; "August is early for berries, is it not?
The man was suspicious, perhaps, and Ruth was on guard.

"For some kinds," she answered, lightly.

"What kind are you hunting?"

"One that you British do not know," she replied; "it's a kind that grows
only in America and thrives upon freedom."

The soldier leered unpleasantly. "Come, I will help you hunt," he cried;
"if we find a berry I cannot name, you may ask what reward you choose,
and if I succeed then will I take a kiss from your red lips, eh, my
girl?"

Ruth darted an angry look upward. If they hunted, the cane would be
discovered, and yet if she refused--well, she must act quickly.

"Is it a bargain?"

"Yes;" the word came bravely from a trembling courage.

[Illustration: "'GOOD DAY, MY PRETTY LASS.'"]