The road that had led to the mill from the main highway was overgrown with weeds. Later it would be filled with thistles and burdocks. Wild sassafras grew along the roadside.
"That's whar you-uns must hide ter-day," said Kate, motioning toward the mill.
"Why should we hide?" exclaimed Frank. "We are not criminals, nor are we revenue spies. I do not fancy the idea of hiding like a hunted dog."
"It's better ter be a live dorg than a dead lion. Ef you-uns'll take my advice, you'll come inter ther mill thar, an' ye'll keep thar all day, an' keep mighty quiet. I know ye're nervy, but thar ain't no good in bein' foolish. It'll be known that you-uns have escaped, an' then Wade Miller will scour ther country. Ef he come on yer——"
"Give us our arms, and we'll be ready to meet Mr. Miller."
"But yer wouldn't meet him alone; thar'd be others with him, an' you-uns wouldn't have no sorter show."
Kate finally succeeded in convincing the boys that she spoke the truth, and they agreed to remain quietly in the old mill.
She led them into the mill, which was dank and dismal. The imperfect light failed to show all the pitfalls that lurked for their feet, but she warned them, and they escaped injury.
The miller had lived in the mill, and the girl took them to the part of the old building that had served as a home.
"Har," she said, opening a closet door, "I've brung food fer you-uns, so yer won't starve, an' I knowed ye'd be hongry."