mighty glad, I think, to be relieved of my presence on such gentle terms.
Watching them recede from sight, I then quickly knotted and tucked my hair up under my hat, and then set off for the house without once tarrying. I made a slight detour to the left to approach it from the further side, and so prevent the least risk of encountering my enemies on the journey. Speed was quite as imperative now as formerly, for the rebel should be awaiting me in the kitchen, and at the mercy of the first person of the household who might chance to see him there. Fortunately, the hour, as far as I could judge, was considerably short of five o'clock; and in the winter time the domestics were not abroad till six. Gliding through the trees and across the snowy grass, I was standing at the kitchen door in less than half an hour. Entering with stealth, I had no sooner closed the door behind me than I was arrested by the light hand of the rebel on my sleeve.
"They are fooled, my lad," says I, my triumph irrepressible, "fooled as six men never were before. And now, sir, I think that we shall save you."
"Madam," says he, with a boyish directness that seemed charming, "oh, what a genius you have! But I cannot thank you now, I am too dead weary. And where am I to hide?"
"If you will slip your shoes off and carry 'em in your hand," says I, "I will lead you to my chamber, and once there you shall sleep the clock round if you have the disposition."
