"All right. There is the box of extra cartridges. Do you want the lantern?"
"Yes; I may want to use it before I return. I'll blow it out now."
Our conversation had lasted but a few seconds, and an instant after I was on my way, the lantern on my left arm and the pistol in my right hand.
"Take good care of Kate," I called back as I passed out.
"I will," replied Dick. "Don't stay away too long, if you don't find the fellow."
I passed around to the other side of the garden, where an open gateway led to the pear orchard. I felt pretty certain that John Stumpy had pursued this course, and I entered the orchard on a run.
The thief, I reckoned, was not over five minutes ahead of me. To be sure, he could easily hide, but it was not likely that he would care to remain in the neighborhood, unless it was really necessary for him to see Mr. Aaron Woodward.
When I got well into the orchard, where it was darker than in the garden, I listened intently, hoping that I might hear some sound that would guide me.
But all was silent. Occasionally a night bird fluttered through the trees and a frog gave a dismal croak, but otherwise not a sound broke the stillness.
I continued on my way toward the road, and reaching the fence, paused again.