'Please, Harry, Downy says 'Ready!'' blurted Dick.
Harry sprang to his feet and made for the door.
'That mens he's discovered something important, mother.' he said as he passed out.
Dick followed, leaving the women astonished and curious, slipped away around the fence enclosing Harry's home, and made off towards the other end of the township. His intention was to warn Ephraim Shine of the danger that threatened. He did not doubt but that Rogers, if he fell into the hands of the troopers, would tell all.
There was a light burning in Shine's skillion, and Dick's knock was answered by Miss Chris, who wore her hat and was on the point of leaving for her home at Summers'.
'I want your father,' said Dick quickly. 'The troopers 'r' after him.
Tell him to bolt.'
'Dickie—Dickie, whatever do you mean?' cried Christina, greatly agitated.
The next moment she was thrust aside and Shine appeared, showing a drawn gaunt face, the skin of which looked crinkled and yellow in the candle light, like old parchment.
'What's that?' he gasped. 'Who wants me?'
'You're found out,' said Dick, drawing back, shocked by the ghastly appearance of the man. 'They're after Rogers. They've got him by this, I expect, an' they'll soon have you if you don't make a bolt fer it.'