From all sides came grunts of satisfaction, showing that the remarks had been overheard by many of the dragoons, which was intended. The smoke-house was reached in safety, and the good woman led them to the rear door.
“I’ll keep them here as long as I can,” she said, “if I have to cook everything on the place. You shall have at least two hours’ start, my boy. God bless you! It’s a brave thing you are doing, but those men must be warned.”
“I know,” he answered. “And now good-bye.”
“And do you stay in the grove until these British are gone, my dear,” she advised Peggy. “I will feel better to have you down there out of their sight. Jimmy shall come for you as soon as they are gone. You won’t mind?”
“I shall like it,” answered Peggy. “Come, friend.”
“I will have to ride hard and fast, Mistress Peggy,” said Fairfax. When they reached the grove a few moments later he removed Peggy’s saddle, strapped on a blanket, and unfastened the bridle. “It may be the last time you will see your little mare.”
“I know,” she answered. Winding her arms about the pony’s neck she laid her head upon the silken mane, and so stood while the lad doffed the osnaburg frock and disfiguring turban. As he swung himself lightly to Star’s back the girl looked up at him through tear-filled eyes.
“Friend Fairfax,” she said, “thee is so brave. Yet I have laughed at thee.”
“Brave? No,” he responded. “’Tis duty.”
“But I have laughed at thee because of thy shyness,” repeated the girl remorsefully. “Thee always seems so afraid of us females, yet thee can do this, or aught else that is for thy country. Why is it?”