“Oh, yes; I know they did, and that the poor lady had to ran away and go to Annapolis. But that was that Blackville set, that an’t got no sense; but as for us, over this side, we believe it was that red-headed stranger as did it.”
“There’s no doubt of it in the world,” said farmer Howe, recklessly, feeling that he was expected to say something.
And at this moment he looked towards Sybil, and saw that she could not endure the subject of discussion for one moment longer, so he turned to the landlady, and said:
“We have travelled some distance, and feel very tired and hungry. Would you oblige us with supper as soon as possible? We do not need much, only let it be nice and warm.”
“Surely, sir, it is late; but we will do the best we can for you,” said the landlady, hurrying away.
Mr. Berners stooped to whisper to his wife.
“Sybil, darling, I hail this woman’s faith as a good omen. Keep up your courage, and—remain in that shady corner until I come back. I am going out to the stable to see that our horses are properly attended to.”
And then Lyon left the room.
By the time he returned a table was set in that parlor, and a good supper spread for the travellers.
When it was over, the landlady showed them to a couple of communicating rooms up stairs, where they passed a very comfortable night.