“Yas, massa.”
As the scout and Mara started down the well-worn path to the spring from the back door, the horsemen reined up in front of the house.
“Ho there, Sergeant Howe, we have come for that troublesome bird of yours,” cried the foremost.
“None too soon to suit me either, Lieutenant Bradley. You will find her near at hand. She is with Wyman.”
But they found the wounded scout alone.
“Miss Morland was here a few minutes ago,” said Wyman. “She will probably be back directly. You might as well wait here.”
“Precious little time have we to wait,” growled the officer.
He did wait, however, a few minutes, time that Boyd Wyman knew well was precious to the fugitives.
“This won’t do!” exclaimed the other, soon losing his patience. “Find her, men—at once.”
A search for the missing maiden was instantly begun, but to the surprise and chagrin of the soldiers could not be found.