"But, if there is no chance of that, look out for me at midnight. I will throw gravel against your window as a signal. When you hear it, steal down stairs, with your shoes in your hands, and open the door to me. I will attend to the rest. And mind," he added, sternly, "I shall take no excuses."
"Suppose I am caught going down stairs?"
"Say you are taken sick. It will be easy enough to make an excuse."
"Are you going to Crampton?" asked Tony.
"Of course not. Do you think I am such a fool as to take a long walk like that?"
"You said you were going."
"Only to put them off the scent. I shall hide in yonder wood till night. Then I will find my way back to the farmhouse."
"Do you want me to go any farther with you?"
"No; you can go back now if you want to. Don't forget my directions."