He went from window to window, examining carefully and trying the shutters in turn. Neither alone, nor with Joe’s help could he move them.
“We are here to stay,” he said in a despondent tone.
But he was mistaken. About midnight a key was thrust into the lock, the bolt turned back, and the door opened. There stood the negro they had seen at the barn in the morning, with a candle in his hand.
“Come,” he said in a hoarse whisper.
They followed him down the stairs and into the dining-room, where they found an abundance of food on the table.
“Eat,” he said grimly.
Without a word they obeyed, and when their hunger was appeased, he led them back to the hall in front of the rack of arms.
“Take two,” he directed. Each lad took a rifle, with horn and pouch, and followed him again, this time through the front door into the yard.
Leading them around to the barn, he showed them two horses, saddled and bridled.
“They’re yourn,” he announced. “Go down that lane to the road. Turn to the left, and you’ll be at Little Falls ’fore mornin’. Here’s a note from Missus.”