As she paused the amazed Sterry asked:
"But why did she think I would venture unless I got the sign from Vesey?"
"Because you told her so. You were so confident, when she expressed her misgivings, that you said you would wait a few minutes after 10 o'clock and then try it, even if no signal appeared."
"You are correct; I did tell her that."
"I consented to her plan on condition that if Mr. Vesey signalled you should go and she should stay; if he did not do so, she was to venture alone."
"Why didn't she consult with me?" asked Sterry; "I could have given her some suggestions."
"Ah, what a question, Mont!" said Fred Whitney, with a smile, as he comprehended the plan; "we know what suggestions you would have given her."
"True enough; she never would have made the attempt," he responded.
"And," said Mrs. Whitney, "your friend has not called to you."
"Which reminds me," exclaimed Sterry, stepping to the rear window and peering out. But everything in the direction of the stables was as dark and silent as the tomb.