This done, he rode on at a more leisurely pace, but listening intently for
any sound betokening the approach of his enemy.

Nothing occurred to cause him alarm, and it was not yet sunset when he
drew rein in front of William Cotton's store.

That gentleman was in and disengaged, as was seen when he came to the door
for a view of the new arrival.

"What! Is it you, Walter Neal?"

"There is no doubt about it in my mind, although my joints are so stiff
from long riding that if I was less acquainted with myself I might believe
I was only a portion of the saddle," Walter said, laughingly, as he
dismounted, and added, in a graver tone, "I must speak with you alone,
Friend Cotton."

"I am alone now. Take your horse to the stable, and come back at once."

"I will leave him where he is; perhaps it will not be well for you to know
anything about him." And then hurriedly entering the store, Walter
explained why he must reach Boston without delay, after which he gave a
brief account of his misadventures.

William Cotton, although a sympathizer with those who were about to offer
resistance to the commands of his most gracious majesty, was a prudent
man, and feared to be known as a disloyal citizen.

The fact that Samuel Haines would probably soon arrive in search of his