The outrage had been committed not more than twenty minutes before. Toby had followed his old master, to see what was to be done with him, and Virginia and her sister were in the street before the house, awaiting the negro's return, when Penn arrived.
"You could have done no good, even if you had come sooner," said Virginia. "There is but one man who could have prevented this cruelty."
"Why not send for him?"
"Alas! he left town this very day. He is a secessionist; but he has great influence, and appears very friendly to us."
Penn started, and looked at her keenly.
"His name?"
"Augustus Bythewood."
Penn recoiled.
"What's the matter?"
"Virginia, that man is thy worst enemy? I did not tell thee how I learned that the arrests were to be made. But I will!" And he told her all.