"They've come," he said, "or, anyhow, somebody's come. I let the dogs
loose, and they will have a lively time for a while."
At his words there was another chorus of barks and shouts. Then a shot
rang out, and a fusillade followed with a mournful wail that died away
into silence.
"Good Lord! they've shot the dogs," cried the man hotly. "I've a mind
to go back and pepper some of 'em."
"No," said Mrs. Knapp, "we may need you. Let us hurry!"
A few yards more brought us to the main road, and once on the firm
ground the horses trotted briskly forward, while the horseman dropped
behind, the better to observe and give the alarm.
"We were just in time," said Mrs. Knapp, trembling.
"Let us be thankful for so much," said I cheerfully.
"They will follow us," said Mrs. Knapp, with conviction in her tone.
"Not before they have broken into the house. That will keep them for
some time, I think."
"Is there no sign of pursuit?"
I leaned out of the window. Only the deadened sound of the hoofs of our
own horses, the deadened roll of our own carriage wheels, were audible
in the stillness of the night. Then I thought I heard yells and faint
hoof-beats in the distance, but again there was silence except for the
muffled noise we made in our progress.
"Can't we drive faster?" asked Mrs. Knapp, when I made my report.
"I wouldn't spoil these horses for five hundred dollars," growled the
driver when I passed him the injunction to hasten.
Pages:
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319