Norton was wondering what had become of Kitty Grigg, when, through the open doorway of the barn-like building, where barrels and casks and sacks were piled high around the walls and floor, came a dim shape against the dusk outside.
"Mr. Norton!" sounded the girl's voice, softly.
"Over here, Kitty," returned Norton cheerfully, and a moment later she was kneeling beside him, sobbing.
"Oh, what has happened?" she asked, grief-smitten. "Duval is in Abel's room, and they're talking about me! I'm afraid—I don't know what they're planning to do, and it seems——"
"Have you been harmed, girl?" asked Red Hugh, and his voice was grim.
"No—but—Duval has sent for a circuit-rider from Vincennes, and means to marry me—soon——"
Norton perceived that all barriers were down between them, and that she no longer doubted concerning the identity of Abel Grigg with Blacknose. Quietly and without holding anything back, he told her of the attack on the boat, and all which had preceded it.
This was no time for tears, and under the influence of his steady grave voice the girl calmed herself. Norton had taken her hand between his own bound ones, and gradually left her regaining steadiness and poise.
"Can you get a knife and free us to-night?" he asked suddenly. "We could take horses and get away——"
"No," she returned hopelessly. "It would be no use. Abel"—and Norton noted that she no longer spoke of him as father—"Abel keeps men on guard always, and he is usually on watch himself. We have two rooms in that lean-to behind the kitchen, and I cannot get out without his knowing——"