“Very well,” said the leader shrugging his shoulders. “’Tis not my affair. Step in here, captain.”
Again the cousins wondered, but without a word they entered the room indicated. There was no one within, and for the moment they were alone. Peggy turned toward him quickly.
“What does thee think of it all, Clifford?” she cried.
“I have a strong suspicion as to who is responsible,” he answered with darkening brow, “but we shall see.”
Just at this moment the door opened precipitately to admit one at whom Peggy stared, then rubbed her eyes to look again; for it was Harriet Owen.
“At last, my brother,” she cried advancing toward him and throwing her arms about his neck. “We have you at last. Oh, won’t the rebels howl when they find their victim gone?”
“Harriet!” Clifford unclasped her arms, and held her so that he might look at her. “I feared this. What is the meaning of this?”
“It means life, liberty, freedom, my brother,” she cried exultingly. “I planned it all, though I did of a truth have assistance. I had spies who found that you were permitted to ride about the country. I kept a watch for several days that I might have you brought here.”
“For what purpose?” he asked coldly. “You could have seen me by coming to Chatham.”