"What!" exclaimed Suwanee, in the accents of surprise; then, sharply, "go and knock louder, and wake them up," adding, "it's very strange."
Hildy came back with a scared look, and said, "I knock and knock; den I open de doah, and der' ain't no one dere."
"They must be out in the grounds for a walk," exclaimed Roberta.
"Haven't you seen them this morning?"
"I ain't seen nuffin' nor heard nuffin'," protested the old woman.
"Girls, this is serious," said Mrs. Barkdale, rising; and she summoned Lieutenant Macklin, who belonged to a class not received socially by the family.
"We have but this moment discovered," said the lady, "that Captain Lane and Surgeon McAllister are not in their room. Therefore we suppose they are walking in the grounds. Will you please inform them that breakfast is waiting?"
"Pardon me, madam, they cannot be outside, or I should have been informed."
"Then you must search for them, sir. The house, grounds, and buildings are open to you."
The fact of the prisoners' escape soon became evident, and there were haste, confusion, and running to and fro to no purpose. Suwanee imitated Roberta so closely that she was not suspected. Lieutenant Macklin and the rebel sergeant at last returned, giving evidence of strong vexation.
"We don't understand this," began the lieutenant.