“Yes; nothing has been seen of her since last night. She is not at home.”
“Hoh! she’s at some of the neighbors’.”
“No, she is not. I have been here ever since daybreak, and no one has left the house.”
“Ha!” and Dunbar started.
“What’s the matter?” asked Jeffries. The other came forward with a grave, solemn face, and laid his hand on his shoulder, quietly.
“See here, Rob, I’ll not beat about the bush, but will out with it. Last night, about midnight, I was awake, and as I lay quiet, I heard what I thought was an Indian yell, away down the creek. I got up and looked out the window. The moon was shining very bright, and all was still as the grave. As I stood looking, I saw something small and white glance for an instant close to your house, then a bright red light shine down by Hans’ cabin. Thinks I, something’s brewing, and I watched, but I saw nothing more. But I heard somebody away down, it seemed like, in Dead-Man’s Forest, say these words in a far-away voice:
“‘Take care! beware!’”
Jeffries started. “That voice!” he exclaimed, uneasily.
“What, did you hear it, too?”
“Go on!” and Jeffries gestured impatiently.