It was the fourth day after this that Mary was gladdened by the sight of her husband riding up in front of Mistress Knollys' door; and with him were Hugh and a dozen other stout fellows on horseback. He explained that they had but a short time to tarry, and were come at Washington's command, to carry Dorothy back with them to Cambridge.
"Hey, you little mischief, see the stir you are guilty of making,—getting half the camp by the ears with your goings on," he said laughingly, and in a way to set at rest all her misgivings, as he took her in his arms.
"But what am I to go to Cambridge for?" she asked rather nervously, still with her arms around his neck, and holding back her head to get a better look at his face, in which a serious expression seemed to be underlying its usual brightness.
"Did I not tell you,—because General Washington sent us to fetch you? But come," he added more gravely, "we must get away at once. Hasten and get yourself ready and I will tell you all as we ride along."
"Had I not better go with her?" asked Mary, when Dot had left them.
Her husband shook his head. "No, it was only Dot we were to bring."
"But for her to go alone, with a lot of men—" Mary began.
He put an arm around her shoulder as he interrupted her remonstrances.
"She goes with her brother, sweetheart, and to meet her husband."
"But she is coming back?" And Mary spoke very anxiously.