But the only weapon in the mill was an old gun, and this was unloaded, and had not been fired for several months; in fact, not since the winter, when I had gone rabbit-hunting.
No sooner had the fellow departed, however, than I made up my mind to find out where he was going to, and, if possible, to recover what he had taken.
I got down the old gun, and hastily cleaning out the barrel, loaded it up; then putting on my hat I stole out of the mill, and in the direction that Carney had taken.
There was no moon, but the stars were shining brightly, and it was far from being absolutely dark.
Carney had gone off in the direction of the main road, and soon I caught sight of him some distance ahead. I made as little noise as possible as I drew nearer to him.
The man walked rapidly until he passed Hallett’s house; then he made for the lake, and I rightfully conjectured that he was going to his boat, which he had left some distance up the shore.
As he approached the water, I drew nearer to him. He passed down a bed of rocks, and there hidden in the bushes was his craft.
Just as he prepared to cast off I hailed him. He was startled, and turned as if to pull out his pistol.
“Stop that!” I ordered. “I have a gun now, and I can fire as straight as you.”