“The matter is a private one,” returned George. “Some time I will explain all, but not now.”
Nat said no more. That night they again sought the same spot; the sky was high and starry, but there was no moon; the river looked like a great snow covered field of ice.
“Just light enough for me to see and not enough for them to see me,” said Nat.
“I don’t think you are going to have much trouble in making the passage,” said his friend. “The ice looks firm enough to support a troop of dragoons.”
“Well, here’s for it; and I trust that you are right.” They clasped hands tightly.
“Don’t forget the signal that’s to tell me that you are safely across—a fire upon the hilltop just above there.”
“I’ll light it as soon as I arrive.”
“And I’ll watch here for it until midnight. If I don’t see it by that time, I’ll be sure that something has happened to you and will make the attempt myself.”
“Good-bye,” said Nat.
“Good-bye.”