As he spoke the map of the region unrolled before my memory. This was the road running a mile, or so, to the west of Elmhurst. It led as straight as any, toward Philadelphia, but whatever stragglers the British army had left behind would be found along here. However, they would probably be scattered fugitives, unwilling to interfere with as strong an armed party as this of mine. If I was alone it would be safer to turn aside. Then, it was a strong temptation to me to pass thus close to Elmhurst. It would be after daylight when we reached there; I might even get a glimpse across the apple orchard of the great white house. Would Claire be there? It seemed to me quite probable, as Eric was taking the wounded Colonel home for nursing. The girl's face rose before me against the black night, and my heart beat fast. When I came back, I would ride to Elmhurst—surely she would be there then.
The sergeant touched my arm.
"Pardon me, sir, but there are horsemen ahead."
"Indeed? I was lost in thought, Conroy. Coming this way?"
"No, sir, they seem to be travelling south slowly. I noticed them first as we turned the corner back there; I could see outlines against the sky."
"How large a party? They form merely a lumping shadow to my eyes."
"Not more than three or four, sir, with a covered rig of some kind. They're halted, now; heard us coming, I reckon."
I could perceive the little group, but merely as a black smudge. Then a mounted figure seemed to detach itself from the darkness, and advance toward us.
"Halt your men, sergeant," I said quietly. "I'll ride forward and learn what the fellow wants."