If the young woman left the house by the steps upon which Todd was, and which it was more than likely she would do, his situation would be anything but a pleasant one, and discovery would be certain.
To obviate the chance of this, he stepped back, and crouched down in among the shrubs in the garden.
He was not wrong in his conjectures, for in a few moments the servant, who was going out, ascended the steps, and passed him so closely, that by stretching out his hand, he could, if he had been so minded, have touched her dress. In a short time she was out of ear-shot.
Todd emerged from his concealment again, and crept down the steps, and once more peeped into the kitchen.
Mrs. Ragg was still busy with the candles.
He was just considering what he should do, when he heard the tramp of horses' feet in the road above. He ascended sufficient of the steps to enable himself to get a peep at what was going on. He saw a groom well mounted, and leading another horse. Then no other than Colonel Jeffrey himself, although he did not of his own knowledge, feel assured that it was him, come out at the front door of the house and mounted.
"Now, William," said the colonel, "we must ride sharply."
"Yes, sir," said the groom.
Another moment and they were gone.
"This is lucky," said Todd. "It is not likely that there is any other room in the house; and if not, I have the game in my own hands."