After two or three years of lodgment in this strange dormitory, matters .becoming woree and worse, and fearing that they might be smoked out or burnt out, as animals are sometimes from their burrows, they were literally compelled to take to the woods, where, in company with other young men of the neighborhood, they built a hut like an Indian wigwam in a secluded and unfrequented spot. This hut they thatched over with wattles and straw, in such wise as to make it water-tight, and thus had quite a safe and comfortable sleeping place.

" The Bcyeau Tavern, an old Huguenot landmark, was situated on North Street, directly opposite where the Paine Monument now stands. It w;is a popular place of resort for the young pooi)le during the Revolutionary War. Dancing and card-playing seem to have been the favorite amusements, in which they indulged at all houre of the night, at the innninent hazard of being caught by prowling bands of refugees and Skinners, who scoured the middle portion of WestchestcrCounty in small squads, in quest of forage 'and indiscriminate plunder. An incident which took place at this tavern, and which was related to Mr. Coutant by his father, may serve to illustrate the character of some of the experiences of those days." -

A number of the young men of the neighborhood, who were convened there for amusement, found themselves suddenly surrounded in the midst of their merriment by a trooj) of light horsemen from the British lines.

Several of the party made their escape from the house through the rear windows and fled across the fields to the woods. The rest were captured and searched. As very little money was found upon them they were accused of having concealed it, and, as a