“I surrender,” said the wounded man,—who was the only one of the four in condition to speak,—as Somers moved towards him.
The young captain took the sabre from his belt, and opening the window, tossed it out. All active opposition had been conquered, but two of the men were only stunned, and in a short time they would probably be able to speak and act for themselves.
“Captain Somers, I would hug you if I had time,” said Barkwood. “What shall we do next?”
“I hardly know,” replied Somers. “If we leave the house, we may fall into the hands of the first squad of soldiers we meet. Besides, we have not done our work yet. We must first look after the lady.”
Somers, stepping over the body of Major Riggleston, which lay near the door, entered the apartment occupied by the wounded officers. There was no light there, and he returned to bring that in the front room. He found Maud standing in the middle of the room, apparently paralyzed with terror.
“Miss Hasbrouk, here is another officer who needs your care, if he is not already past it.”
“What do you mean?” asked she, in husky tones.
“Major Riggleston has fallen.”
She uttered a faint scream. She was so enfeebled by terror that she seemed not to have the strength to do anything. She was more at talking than she was at acting.
“What shall I do?” asked she.