He strode across the room; and, knowing where the leader was, demanded: 

“What is the meaning of this, Capt.  Asbury?”

“The meaning of what?”

“While I was talking a few seconds with you some person slipped out of the back door; do you know anything of it?”

“It is beyond my comprehension,” replied the leader in a voice which removed all distrust of him.

And forgetful, in his excitement, of his duty at the front, he stepped hastily to the rear, where most of the men had crowded, despite the orders for them to maintain a strict watch.

“I heard you and the captain speaking,” said Hawkridge, in explanation, “but your voices were so low that I would not have identified them anywhere.  Supposing you to be where you really were, I stepped to the rear window here and peered out in the gloom where I knew the stable to be—­”

“Did you see anything?” interrupted Sterry.

“Not a sign of the signal.  While I was straining my eyes to pierce the darkness the door was drawn inward slightly, and a figure moved quickly across the space toward the stables.”

“You could not identify it?”

“Of course not, for you see how dark it is, and there was no light; in fact, I hardly saw it before it vanished.”

“It is as I supposed,” added Sterry, angrily.  “Some one fancied he had a better chance by slipping off than in remaining here, and has looked after his own safety.  I wish I knew who it was.”

“We can soon find out,” remarked Capt.  Asbury; “our men are not too numerous for me to forget their names and voices.”

He raised his tones and summoned them.

“I don’t believe they will attempt to fire the house as long as the ladies are with us,” he exclaimed; “some one of our party has been cowardly enough to sneak off.  As I call your names, answer.”

He proved the truth of what he said.  He had eight companions, not counting Hawkridge and Sterry.  With little hesitation, for his memory was instantly prompted by others, he pronounced each name, and to every one came the prompt, unmistakable response of the owner.

“One of those rustlers has managed to get in here undiscovered,” was the next theory of Sterry, whose temper did not improve at the unaccountable turn of affairs.  “I don’t see why Inman and the rest delay their attack, when we are only children in their hands; they can do with us as they please—­”

All started, for at that moment a sharp rap sounded on the door.  Before opening it, Capt.  Asbury called out: 

“Who’s there?”

“It is I—­Fred Whitney—­let me in, quick!”

He was admitted without an instant’s delay, while all crowded around in the darkness.

“Well, you can imagine what I have come for.  I made known the request of mother and Jennie, but Inman and Cadmus would not think of granting it at first.  I told Cadmus that it was your special request, Jennie, adding a little ornamentation of my own, such as that you knew that when he learned how much it could please you, he could not refuse.  I hope I did right, did I not, sister?”