"This way, sir! We've got the best of two bloomin' Yankees, an' the other is sneakin' in some corner!"
There came the sound of hurried footsteps, and then the light of the lantern so far illumined the head of the stairway that I could see Darius, lying at full length on the floor, within a few inches of the opening.
Just for one second I stood as if stupefied, and then I understood what the old man would do.
The British officer ascended swiftly; but before his head was fairly above the top of the stairs Darius stretched out his long arm, seizing the gentleman by the throat even as my adversary had seized me.
Now I had my wits about me; running forward swiftly I caught the lantern before the officer could let go his grasp on it, and thus made it possible to have a view of what was going on.
Darius hauled his captive up, much as if he had been a bale of merchandise, and as he was dragged to the floor I saw one whom I believed to be the miller, directly behind him, within three steps of the top of the stairs.
With the lantern in my left hand, I thrust forward the barrel of my musket full in his face, as I said sharply:
"Throw down that gun, or I'll fire!"
