Miss Peyton and Frances were breathless and unobserved
listeners to all that passed between them, from the window of the
chamber immediately above their heads.
"Something must be done, and that speedily," observed the commanding
officer of the regiment, which lay encamped before the house. "This
English officer is doubtless an instrument in the great blow aimed at us
by the enemy lately; besides, our honor is involved in his escape."
"Let us beat the woods!" cried several at once. "By morning we shall
have them both again."
"Softly, softly, gentlemen," returned the colonel. "No man can travel
these hills after dark, unless used to the passes. Nothing but horse can
do service in this business, and I presume Lieutenant Mason hesitates to
move without the orders of his major."
"I certainly dare not," replied the subaltern, gravely shaking his head,
"unless you will take the responsibility of an order; but Major
Dunwoodie will be back again in two hours, and we can carry the tidings
through the hills before daylight; so that by spreading patrols across,
from one river to the other, and offering a reward to the country
people, their escape will yet be impossible, unless they can join the
party that is said to be out on the Hudson."
"A very plausible plan," cried the colonel, "and one that must succeed;
but let a messenger be dispatched to Dunwoodie, or he may continue at
the ferry until it proves too late; though doubtless the runaways will
lie in the mountains to-night.
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