CHAPTER VI
SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER AND THE PORCUPINE
RODE THROUGH THE NIGHT
“This way,” cried the Porcupine, after a little. “Keep to the left; there’s a gap in the fence at the far side of this field that will let us out upon the main road.”
Nat followed the instructions of the dwarf, whose knowledge of the ground about the Chew House seemed perfect and whose sight was unusually keen in the dark. The break in the fence was located without any great trouble, and a moment later found them with the hard public road under them. Here Nat drew rein; turning his head he gazed back toward the mansion.
“It appears that we have created some little stir,” remarked he to the Porcupine, who had drawn up beside him. The dwarf uttered his peculiar, squealing laugh.
“Look at the lights,” said he. “They pop up at window after window, just like fireflies.”
There was also the dim hubbub of far-away voices; it was as though excited men were calling loudly to each other, and that their excitement grew greater with each passing moment.
“In a little while they may recover their senses sufficiently to take horse in pursuit,” spoke Nat. “So I think we’d better make the best of our time.”
“We’d better make it anyhow,” suggested the Porcupine. “We’ve a long ride ahead of us and Master Royce’s party have had a good half hour’s start.”
So together they gave their mounts the rein and went galloping down the road. Steadily the pace was kept up until the horses began to show signs of distress. Then they were allowed to walk until they had recovered, when they were urged into a faster pace once more. It was not a great while before they rode into a more thickly built up section; people were now frequently met with carrying lanterns and proceeding about their business.
“And here is the city itself,” at last cried the dwarf. “See the lamps,” pointing to the scattering of oil lamps which, owing to the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, had been lately placed in the streets. “They say there is no town in all the colonies that has so many.”