"It is hard to realize that this scene means war," remarked Miss
Lou, after they had gazed and listened a few moments in silence.
"Yet it does," said Scoville quietly. "Look down the avenue. Do you
not see the glint of the moonbeams on a carbine? All around us are
men, mounted and armed. If a shot were fired, we should all be ready
for battle in three minutes. Those prisoners will be guarded with
sleepless vigilance till I deliver them up. There is a sentinel at
the back of the house, three guarding the out-buildings, and so it
will be till I am relieved and another takes command."
"Who will he be?" she asked apprehensively.
"I do not know."
"Oh, I wish you could guard us till these troubles are over."
"I can honestly echo that wish," added Mrs. Whately.
"Thank you. It would be pleasanter duty than usually falls to the
lot of a soldier. Yet in these times I scarcely know what my duty
may be from hour to hour."
"You told us that we need not fear anything to-night," began Mrs.
Whately.
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