"But you are all right now, for your friends will be on hand by that time."
"Yes; Kate will take word ter Muriel, an' he'll hev ther boys ready ter fight fer me. Ther officers will find it kinder hot in these parts."
"I'd better be goin' now," said the girl. "Ther boys oughter know all about it soon as possible."
"That's right," agreed Rufe. "This ain't ther best place fer me ter hide."
"No," declared Kate, suddenly; "an' yer mustn't hide har longer, fer ther officers may come afore night. I'll take yer ter ther cave. It won't do fer ther boys ter go thar, but you kin all right. Ther boys is best off har, fer ther officers wouldn't hurt 'em."
This seemed all right, and it was decided on.
Just as they were on the point of descending, Barney gave a cry, caught Frank by the arm, and drew him toward a window.
"Look there, me b'y!" exclaimed the Irish lad. "Phwat do yez think av it now?"
A horseman was coming down the old road that led to the mill. He bestrode a coal-black horse, and a mask covered his face, while his long, black hair flowed down on the collar of the coat he wore. He sat the horse jauntily, riding with a reckless air that seemed to tell of a daring spirit.
"Great Scott!" exclaimed Frank Merriwell, amazed. "It is Muriel!"