One of the guards entered the room, but seeing nothing suspicious he returned to the front of the house.
Perhaps they were expecting the troops from Dalton for they were anxiously watching the road that wound like a huge serpent in that direction.
Not a second of the next five minutes was lost by our friends.
At the end of that time had one looked for Mara Morland and the Wizard Scout he would have found them transformed into identical counterparts of Pete and Dinah.
Mara had bidden farewell to Boyd Wyman, and had told Pete and Dinah to keep out of sight.
“I think we are ready to start now,” said the Wizard Scout, lowly. “Be brave and do not lose your self-possession let come what may. Follow me.”
Reaching the kitchen they saw one of the soldiers in the next room.
As unconcernedly, however, as if their errand was a real one the scout took up a couple of buckets and handed one to Mara.
“Reckon we’se go to der sp’ing fer watah, honey,” he said in imitation of Pete’s maudlin tone.
As he opened the door a body of horsemen came in sight of the house, riding at a smart canter.