"Yes, sir.... But I should have escort by the shortest route to Cayadutta——"
"You talk like a child," said I, sharply. "And you seem scarcely more," I added, turning away. But I lingered still to see them safely bolted in before I departed.
"Soldier," she began timidly; but I interrupted:
"Go fill your tubs against fire-arrows," said I. "Why do you loiter?"
"Because I have great need to return to Caughnawaga. Will you guide me the shortest way by the woods?"
"Do you not hear that bell?" I demanded angrily.
"Yes, sir, I hear it. But I should go to Cayadutta——"
"And I should answer that militia call," said I impatiently. "Go in and lock the house, I tell you!"
Mrs. Bowman, her arms full of wet linen, ran into the house. The girl, Penelope, gazed at the woods.
"I am servant to a very old man," she said, twisting her linked fingers. "I can not abandon him! I can not let him remain all alone at Cayadutta Lodge. Will you take me to him?"