“To what purpose, my cousin? It would not procure John’s release. All that can be done was done when Clifford let me see him.”
“I would not be so sure of that and I were you,” observed Harriet quietly.
“Harriet! What does thee mean?” cried Peggy, her breath coming quickly.
“Peggy, I told you once that some time I should do something that would repay all your favors, did I not?”
“Yes.” Peggy’s eyes questioned her cousin’s eagerly.
“Well, don’t you think it’s about time that I was fulfilling that promise, my cousin? Suppose now, only suppose, that I could effect this captain’s escape? Would that please you?”
“Harriet, tell me. Tell me!” Peggy’s arms were about her in a tight embrace. “Thee knows, Harriet.”
“Did it want its captain then?” laughed Harriet teasingly. “Oh, Peggy, Peggy! what a goose you are! Now sit down, and tell me where John Drayton is, and what Clifford said and did. Then I will unravel my plan.”
“There are two sentries beside the guard, Harriet,” Peggy concluded anxiously, as she related all that had occurred. “They patrol the house, meet and pass each other so that each makes a complete round of the hut. I see not how thee can do anything.”
“Don’t be so sure, Mistress Peggy,” came from Harriet with such an abrupt change of voice that Peggy was startled.