The lad glanced quickly around, first over one shoulder, then the other, and said, in a hoarse whisper,—
"Shpeak wery low!"
"Was it you that rapped before?"
"I have rapped tree times, not loud, pecause I vas afraid the men would hear."
"What men are they?"
"The Wigilance Committee's men! They have some tar in a kettle. They have made a fire unter it, and I hear some of 'em say, 'Run, boys, and pring some fedders.'"
"Tar and feathers!" The young man grew pale. "They have threatened it, but they will not dare!"
"They vill dare do anything; but you shall prewent 'em! See vat I have prought you!" Carl opened his jacket, and showed the handle of a revolver. "Stackridge sent it."
"Hide it! hide it!" said the master, quickly. "He offered it to me himself. I told him I could not take it."
"He said, may be when you smell tar and see fedders, you vill change your mind," answered Carl.