"Ah! Same as the gentleman up the hill," cried the soldier. "Now, tell us quick; have you seen a coach, wagon, or other four-wheeled piece of machinery hereabouts?"
"Yes; a two-horsed carriage drove down to the inn yonder about twenty minutes ago."
"What road did she come?"
"This very road that you're on."
"Confusion on it! Then how did we miss the thing? But there, no matter; we'll after it and catch the villain."
Without more delay the sergeant and his men clattered off down the hill, relieving Dick of the necessity of giving explanations, which he felt might be somewhat awkward. Being now thoroughly excited, he forgot his fatigue and wetness, and ran after the dragoons to see what happened when they reached the inn. He was but a minute or two behind them. The village was still in complete darkness; the rain had ceased, and the moon showed her rim through a rift in the scudding clouds.
The troopers were at the door of the inn, five still on horseback; the sixth had dismounted and was rapping on the door with the hilt of his sword.
"Hang me, will he never open?" cried the man, when repeated blows drew no response.
"Must be a rare sleeper, to be sure," said another.
"I'll bust the lock with a shot from my carbine if he don't open soon," cried the angry sergeant. "This is some jiggery-pokery, sure as I'm alive."