"And I told you that would n't do. You have a strange way of going 'back' in the country when you are headed down the river."
"Still that may lead 'back' into the country," said Robert quietly. He had been keenly watching the men, and several plans of action had already presented themselves to his active mind, but he would reserve them to the last, he assured himself, as he eagerly waited for the man to speak again.
"Is it to New York, or Morristown?"
"To neither."
"Where, then?"
"I told you."
"Who are you?"
"Robert Dorlon."
A brief whispered consultation followed between the men, but Robert was unable to overhear what was said. He had slight fear that his name would be known, and it would serve as well as any other in reply to the question which no longer could he evade.
"In which army are you?" demanded the man again.
"Can't you see? I'm in neither," replied Robert, striving to speak lightly, although his fears were now increasing.
"Do you belong to either army?"
