He cast a furtive glance at the courier to ascertain the kind of man he had to deal with. The look was hardly reassuring. Clearly George Preston was not a man to be easily thwarted. Forty years of age, nearly a giant in strength and stature, with a face that suggested courage, resourcefulness, and faithfulness to duty. It was certain he had been selected for the task assigned him because he could be thoroughly relied upon.
All this the lad took in during the brief minute he stood silent, and at once decided upon a plan which he believed would enable him to accomplish his purpose. Then he said in answer to the question asked him:
"Both, sir. He better make directly for the river from here, and, crossing it, go down the west side until below Albany. Then, recrossing it, follow the east side to his destination. In this way he will escape the main forces of the enemy, and so lessen his chances of being captured."
"That is what I told you, Master Preston!" exclaimed the general in triumph. "I need the aid of Clinton too badly to run any risk of your message failing to reach him. Take the safer way, even though it involves a longer journey. Twenty-four hours delay in the delivery of the letter is nothing, if it in the end reaches the general."
"My chief objection to the plan lies in this:" the courier said quietly. "It is unlike the route laid out for me in St. John. I had rather obey the letter, as well as the spirit, of my orders."
"A good practice, truly," General Burgoyne replied heartily, "and one that proves you are the man for this work. But our friends in St. John did not know what might arise, and therefore left you to your own judgment. I am exceedingly anxious that you use every precaution possible to carry Lord Germain's message safely through the enemy's lines."
"You cannot be more anxious than I," Master Preston said calmly, "and I have something more to say, provided our friend here is all he claims to be. It may be over-caution on my part, but if I recollect rightly, he has nothing but the word of that Indian to back him," and he gave the officer a glance which caused him to flush slightly.
"Master Le Geyt answered so fully the description I had received of him," the general replied somewhat haughtily, "that I was at once satisfied he was all he claimed to be. Nor is the Indian's word of so little value as you seem to think. He must have known the young man, or he would never have brought him here. But since you have your doubts, he can, I am sure, show what will convince us that he is as trustworthy as yourself," and he glanced confidently at the youth.
