the straw, and in such a posture that we could enjoy a full view of the trap, peer down there through, and observe the movements of our enemies should they enter the lower chamber.
As it proved, we were not a second too early in our hiding. A clattering of hoofs announced that the horses had come to the stable door; and it was to our dire misfortune that their riders here dismounted and held a council, whose import was the reverse of comforting. Leaving their animals outside, they sought the protection of the stable against the bitter air, and without restraint discussed their future courses. From our vantage in the upper chamber we looked down and listened with all ears through the trap; and, as they had evidently not the least knowledge of our presence there, we felt quite a keen enjoyment in the situation, which was terribly dashed, however, by the resolution they arrived at.
"You men," says one, with the authority proper to a corporal—Corporal Flickers was his title, as later I learned to my sorrow—"you men, this fox is a knowin' varmint. Why did he come back here? I puts it to you. Why did he come back here?"
"'Cause o' me lady," was suggested by one of his companions.
"Eggsac'ly," says the Corporal. "George, you're knowin', you are, you take my word for that. 'Cause o' me lady. And if I was to have a free hand wi' my lady, what is it I'd do to her?"
