"I've got word—but no note!" he whispered hoarsely. "Quick! Is it worth—"
"Yes! Yes!"
Nathaniel dug the gold pieces out of his pockets and dropped them into the jailer's outstretched hand.
"I've had my boy watching Winnsome Croche's house," continued the sheriff, white with the knowledge of the risk he was taking. "An hour ago Winnsome came out of the house and went into the woods. My boy followed. She ran to the lake, got into a skiff, and rowed straight out to sea. She is following your instructions!"
In his excitement he betrayed himself. He had read the note.
There came a sound up the corridor, the opening of a door, the echo of voices, and Jeekum leaped back. Nathaniel's foot held the cell door from closing.
"Where is Marion?" he cried softly, his heart standing still with dread. "Great God—what about Marion?"
For an instant the sheriff's ghastly face was pressed against the opening.
"Marion has not been seen since morning. The king's officers are searching for her."
The door slammed, the chains clanked loudly, and above the sound of Jeekum's departure Neil's voice rose in a muffled cry of joy.