“Mr. White, will you please tell me why we must break camp at this hour of the night?” begged Grace Harlowe, stepping over to the guide, and looking up into his face. “What is it? I know you must have good reason or—”
“Because, Mrs. Gray, some trouble has developed in the woods, and we are exposed to it. I don’t wish to alarm you, and for that reason I can’t explain just now, so please trust to me and don’t urge me to give my reasons,” answered the guide, resuming his work.
Grace directed a quick glance at the sky, and Elfreda Briggs, now at her side, did likewise. The stars were clear white, and a light breeze was stirring the tops of the big pine trees.
“Grace, what do you make of it?” questioned Miss Briggs.
“Nothing, J. Elfreda. Mr. White is an experienced guide, so let’s hustle and pack for a move.”
Emma Dean, who had dressed hurriedly, was now importuning the guide to tell her what it was he feared.
“If you will only tell me, I will demonstrate over it, and you will see how quickly the danger, or whatever it may be, will pass,” she said.
“Pardon me, Miss Dean, I am too busy to talk. Please get yourself ready for riding as quickly as possible,” replied Mr. White.
“Oh, very well!” Emma elevated her chin and walked away.
“Go on! Demonstrate! I know Ham is willing to try most anything once,” urged Stacy Brown.