Plans of Escape.
The days glided on and there was no news of the Squire’s coming back, and no fresh alarm or suggestion of the possibility of the soldiers returning to make another search, so Waller grew more and more satisfied in the belief that, however much Gusset might suspect, it was merely suspicion, and there was no more to fear.
“I think at any time now we might begin to think of making a start,” said Waller one morning.
“Yes, yes,” cried Godfrey eagerly. “Well, you needn’t look so pleased because you are going,” cried Waller, half angrily, but dropping his voice directly lest it should be heard and let the servants know he had somebody up there to whom he was talking.
“Oh, don’t speak to me like that,” cried Godfrey earnestly. “I don’t want to go but I am afraid it would be bad for both of us, and lead to trouble if I stayed.”
“Well, I suppose so,” said Waller. “As I say, I don’t want you to go, but it will be better for both of us when you are on your way back to France.”
The boy stopped speaking and stood looking earnestly in his companion’s eyes, while Godfrey shook his head and then held out his hand.
Waller was about to take it, feeling very miserable the while, for he was growing very much attached to his nervous, excitable companion, when both started violently, for some one had come up in perfect silence and given a sharp tap or two at the door.
In the full conviction that whoever it was must have heard the talking, Waller caught up the hammer near at hand, then threw it down noisily upon his work-bench, and walked quickly to the door.
“What is it?” he cried.