“Not certainly before twenty-four hours from this time,” replied the governor: “or perhaps a day later. You are aware that the meeting will have to take place in New Haven, which is twenty miles distant.”
“We might easily proceed there at once, and reach the place in time to call a convention, and settle the affair to-night,” urged Mr. Brooks, dictatorially.
“I am a slow man, and cannot bring myself to be in a hurry. One night can make no possible difference, and to-morrow I will call a meeting of the magistrates.”
Lucy here arose and approached a door leading to the outer piazza. Her lover’s eye followed her graceful figure with a feeling of pride as she crossed the room. She turned at the door, and seeking his eye ere she closed it, gave him a signal to follow her.
In some surprise, he instantly obeyed.
“Henry,” she said earnestly, and in a low voice, as if fearing that some one might chance to be near, “Henry, I have overheard what has passed between my uncle and his visiters. The latter are persons commissioned by King Charles to apprehend the escaped prisoners who have taken refuge in New Haven. They wish to obtain authority for their arrest and re-imprisonment, as well as for making a strict search throughout the colony, and will probably obtain this to-morrow. What do you think can be done in this emergency?”
“I scarce know what to say, dear Lucy,” said he, as he took her hand involuntarily, and seemed to be reflecting deeply on her words.
“Could not you,” resumed Lucy, “return at once to New Haven, and apprise the exiles of their danger?”
“Excellent: I will set out at once.”
“I have thought of a place of security for them likewise,” continued Lucy, and she drew nearer and whispered a word in his ear.