“We’re caught; it’s too late; what shall we do?” gasped Jim, dropping the handkerchief with its precious contents.
“They will hang us for bigamy,” replied Billy, turning pale and trembling in every limb.
Tom Wagstaff tried hard to utter a few words, and was struggling to free himself, but succeeded in neither attempt.
“Come on!” whispered Jim, catching up his load again; “they haven’t got in, and we may have a chance.”
He whisked through the open door, and scurried down the carpeted stairs, with Billy so close on his heels that both narrowly escaped bumping and rolling to the bottom.
The voices were louder, and it looked as if the youngsters were caught.
And such would have been the case, but for the timidity of the parties out-doors. They had been drawn thither by the out-cries of the servant, and were convinced that some fearful tragedy was going on, or had been completed within the dwelling.
These people were unarmed, and it was only natural that they should shrink from entering where several desperate men were supposed to be at bay. They consulted with each other and decided to await the arrival of re-enforcements.
This was the golden opportunity of the young scamps. The rear door was ajar and they noiselessly drew it inward far enough to allow them to pass through.
Before venturing forth they peeped out in the darkness. They could see nothing, though, for that matter, there might have been a dozen persons within a few feet without being visible; but the room in which the lads stood was also without a light, so that the advantage was equal.