"At Digby's! That's three miles below here." She spoke eagerly. "Dick, you noticed the little meetin'-house just below here in the hollow?"
The man nodded.
"If ye'll go away now, Dick, right away, I'll meet ye in the woods. Follow the path that leads up behind the meetin'-house to-morrow mornin' between ten and eleven an' I'll meet ye there, but oh, Dick, for God's sake go away now, before—before he comes!"
The desperation in her voice and looks produced some effect upon the man apparently, for he rose and said:
"Well, Molly, as you're so particular, I'll do as you say; but mind now, don't you play me no tricks. If you ain't there, punctual, I'll be here; now see if I don't, my beauty." He would have flung his arms about her, but she started back with flaming eyes.
"None o' that, Dick Staples!" she cried, fiercely.
"Spunky as ever, and twice as handsome, I swear!" exclaimed the fellow, gazing admiringly at her.
"Are ye goin'?"
There was something in her voice and mien which compelled obedience, and the man prepared to go. Outside the door he slung his rifle over his shoulder, and looking back, said:
"Remember now, Molly, 'Meet me in the willow glen,' you know. Punctual's the word!" and with a meaning smile he sauntered down the slope, humming a popular melody as he went.