Jacob forced his companion to halt where a clump of bushes hid them from view of any one who might pass that way, until they had regained their breath, and then said hurriedly:
"I know the man who takes care of the horses. He boards at the third house from here, and doesn't often come back in the evening after his day's work is done. The stable door opens toward Wharton's house, and our greatest danger will be in getting the animals out. I'll go ahead; if you fail to hear anything for five minutes, follow me."
"Go on; don't waste any more time, for if the soldiers set out ahead of us we shall find it difficult to pass them."
Master Ludwick made his way toward the building as if stealing horses was a work with which he was thoroughly conversant, and when the specified time had elapsed Enoch followed.
The fact that a play was being performed at the theater, and also that nearly all the male population of the city were congregated in the business portion of the town discussing this unexpected move on Lafayette's part, was of material aid to the boys in their undertaking.
Not a light could be seen in the Tory's home, and it was situated so far out of the city there was little fear pedestrians would pass at that hour in the evening.
When Enoch entered the barn he understood by the subdued noise that Master Ludwick was bridling a horse, and he whispered:
"Yes; I've got a bridle on one, and if you'll hold him I'll take out the other. We can't stop to find saddles."
"There's no need of anything of that kind, but I think we should have something in the shape of whips, in case we're pursued."