Confused and excited, the others began to look about for some corner or place of concealment for the fugitive girl, without stopping to think if it was right or wrong to do so, when Chick dashed into the house crying:
“They are coming—right here—’Squire Hardy, Sheriff Stanyan, and two or three others!”
“We’re too late!” moaned Mrs. Little. “I will fight before they shall take her away.”
“You must not do that,” said Joe. “Then they would take you, too. Quick, mother, get Mary into the closet in my room, while I go out and stop them, so they shall not come into the house.”
By the time the brave Joe had reached the door the officer and his companions were within a few yards of the house.
At sight of her they stopped, the sheriff saying:
“We want the girl who has been at work to Deacon Cornhill’s. If she will come out peacefully the rest of you will not be troubled.”
“At this time,” added ’Squire Hardy.
“What do you want of Mary Little?” asked Joe, showing very little fear as she spoke.
“I am not obliged to answer that, miss. Stand aside and let me come in.”