“I am sorry to send you off again in such a hurry, before you have even had time to rest, Goldsborough; but it is absolutely necessary that this should be in the hands of S. before to-morrow morning. There is to be a meeting at Witch Elms to-morrow evening, and he must be present; for the final arrangements as to the precise time and mode of the assault will be discussed and decided upon.”
Albert Goldsborough received the packet, but instead of starting immediately on his mission, he hesitated and dropped his eyes upon the floor.
“Well, what now? You have something to tell me!” exclaimed Eastworth.
“Yes, colonel, I have! You are no longer safe in this house! A little, prying imp, in the form of a young girl, has discovered our plot, and means to denounce us to the authorities and to our host!”
“The demon! this cannot be true!” exclaimed Colonel Eastworth, in consternation.
“It is as true as truth, colonel! She has threatened to denounce us all! And she will surely carry out her threats!”
“What girl is this?”
“Little Elfrida Fielding!”
“Ah, the little serpent! And to think that such a little, insignificant creature should be able to do so much harm!”
“Ah, colonel! a worm may burrow a hole that shall sink a ship of the line!” said Albert Goldsborough.