overhanging branches on the lean-to, raised a sash and crept into the window.

Slipping off his shoes, heavy with spring mud, he proceeded to search for Uncle John. He was not in his own room; he was not in the guest-chamber; he was not in any one of the rooms.

On the floor, by the window in the hall, looking out upon the green, he found the broken cup and saucer that Martha Moulton had let fall. Having made a second round, in which he investigated every closet and penetrated into the spaces under beds, Joe thought of the garret.

Tramp, tramp went the heavy feet on the sanded floors below, drowning every possible sound from above; nevertheless, as the lad opened the door leading into the garret, he whispered cautiously: “Uncle John! Uncle John!”

All was silent above. Joe went up, and was startled by a groan. He had to stand a few seconds, to let the darkness grow into light, ere 33 he could see; and, when he could discern outlines in the dimness, there was given to him the picture of Uncle John, lying helpless amid and upon the nubbins that had been piled over his strong box.

“Why, Uncle John, are you dead?” asked Joe, climbing over to his side.

“Is the house afire?” was the response.

“House afire? No! The confounded Red Coats up and put it out.”

“I thought they was going to let me burn to death up here!” groaned Uncle John.

“Can I help you up?” and Joe proffered two strong hands, rather black with toil and smoke.

“No, no! You can’t help me. If the house isn’t afire, I’ll stand it till the fellows are gone, and then, Joe, you fetch the doctor as quick as you can.”

“You can’t get a doctor for love nor money this night, Uncle John. There’s too much work to be done in Lexington and Concord to-night for wounded and dying men; and there’ll be more of ’em too afore a single Red Coat sees Boston again. They’ll be hunted down every step of the way. They’ve killed Captain Davis, from Acton.”

“You don’t say so!”

“Yes, they have, and—”

“I say, Joe Devins, go down and do—do something. There’s my niece a-feeding the murderers! I’ll disown her. She shan’t have a penny of my pounds, she shan’t!”