"Hello!" I cried, jumping up. "What's the matter? Has any thing happened?"
Torrence put his finger to his lips and said:
"Hush! Be quiet! Don't be scared, but get up at once and do as I tell you without losing a moment's time!"
I did as I was bid; and dressed as hurriedly as possible, not doubting but the climax I had so long dreaded had come at last.
"We must be off immediately," said he, as I was putting the finishing touches to my toilet. There was something too dead earnest in his look and manner to permit of a single question.
"The trunks are quite ready," I observed; my teeth chattering with excitement.
"Damn the trunks! We must leave them behind. Have you the package?"
I showed it to him, sewed in my pocket.
Torrence looked at his watch.
"What o'clock is it?" I inquired.