Davie spoke a few low words, then darted under Declute’s arm and out into the darkening day.
The Bushwhackers looked at one another.
“What does the lad say?” asked Big McTavish.
Boy snatched up his cap.
“I’ll see,” he cried. “Wait here, everybody.”
He glanced at Gloss, then sped out after Davie. For half an hour after the boys had gone there was almost absolute silence among those gathered there.
“I’ve been wonderin’ all day where Davie was,” Paisley said at length. “You didn’t see him when you was over?” turning to Peeler.
“When you said I better go and see if he had got home safe, I went over there to Betsy’s place,” explained Peeler. “The old Granny came to the door, and when I asked if Davie had got home she said ‘yes,’ and slammed the door in my face. That’s all I know, Bill.”
“Boy is comin’ now, and he’s runnin’,” cried Gloss from the window.
She sprang out and ran down the path through the deep snow to meet him.