"Yes. They came to our house early this morning. They upset everything. They smashed the furniture. They tied my father and brother in chairs. They said they were going to burn the house when they got ready to go away."
"But how were they drugged?"
"They made me get them all the food and wine there was in the house. I did so. I put some laudanum in the wine. They ate and drank. Then they got sleepy. They dropped off one by one. Then I ran out to find help. I find you. Heaven is good."
Frank consulted the corporal as the others crowded around in great excitement.
The corporal meditated.
"It may be a trap," he said cautiously.
"I don't think so," replied Frank. "Look at the girl. She's no actress. I think she's telling the truth."
"But even if they were drugged, they may have recovered from the effects by this time," pondered the corporal.
Then he made up his mind.
"We'll take a chance," he decided. "Ask the girl how far the house is from here."