“Hark!”
“What is the matter?”
“They are coming!” exclaimed Alberta.
And at this moment the galloping of horses was heard, followed by the sound of many eager voices and the trampling of many hasty feet.
The next instant the door was thrown open by the guerrilla Mutchison, who stalked into the room.
The two young women started up in alarm.
“What is the matter?” demanded Alberta.
“Madam!” exclaimed Mutchison, speaking in haste and trepidation, “the boy Gill has betrayed us! The scouts who went out in search of him have returned and report a body of the enemy’s cavalry near!”
And without another word he pounced upon Elfie, lifted and threw her over his shoulder and bore her, screaming and struggling from the room.
Alberta started forward to stop him, but before she had gone two paces she met Colonel Corsoni, who came hurrying towards her.