"And where must you go? What must you do?" tearfully asked Netta.
"I can scarcely tell. We shall be required to watch the premises of the citizens, and to convey all valuables to places of safety. The policy is not to provoke a battle, but to entrap them nearer and nearer the city by holding out baits till they can be apprehended in a body. To do this, we shall be divided into small squads, perhaps only two persons allotted to a station."
It was apparent to the elder lady that the plans had already been arranged, and Temple's duties mapped out.
The man at the window strained his ears to catch the topic which evidently excited profound interest. A word or two reached him, and he saw Temple point to the box of jewels. Then, as the door opened, he heard him say:
"Remember—the first thing to-morrow—Dry Thicket."
Ere the departing visitor could come upon him, the straggler bounded over the fence and hurried away. But he had learned enough.
A sound, real or fancied, caused Richard Temple to glance down the starlit highway, in time to see the fleeing human figure. In newborn apprehension he returned to the parlor door, and was admitted in some wonder by the ladies, who were still discussing the situation.
"Is Lawrence at home?" he asked.
"Yes—why?"