It was no difficult matter to examine the loft, which was found nearly full of arms and powder. But Robbins did not choose to seize the munitions; he hoped to convict Thurlow, at least, if none of the others. He set spies on the church, meaning to capture any of the king’s enemies who might attempt to take away arms. Then another note came to him: On Monday next there will be a midnight meeting in the loft. It might interest the captain to attend. It was Saturday afternoon then. One of the Royalists happened to be passing the house; the captain called him, and the two young men swung into step down the road to the meeting-house. Dolly Pearson stood watching the two as they walked quickly away; then some suspicion came to her from their gestures. She tried to dismiss it as foolish, but tried in vain. Suddenly she started off on a run across the fields. When she reached the meeting-house her breath was coming in heavy gasps. The building was open for one of its rare sweepings, but no one was in sight just then. The girl ran in and up the winding stairs and crouched down behind the pulpit, and lay there listening and trying to still the noisy beating of her heart. It seemed ages that she crouched there; perhaps she had been mistaken--they might not have been coming here--then she started at the sound of voices. She dared not peer out. She held herself rigid and listened--listened for the life of John Thurlow whom Elizabeth loved. “Forty muskets and seven kegs of powder,” said one voice. “Aye, and Thurlow and his recruits to take all on Monday night?” “Hist!” said the captain, looking round uneasily. “Walls have ears. Monday at midnight you will have a strong band ready. We will surround the meeting-house, and then----” “Down with the rebels! And the pay, captain?” “Trust His Majesty for that. You can have my own share, too. Success is enough for me.” “That and a fair field to Betty Pearson’s favor,” laughed the other. “You are not the only one that would like to see John Thurlow out of the way!” “Then shall I earn their gratitude,” answered Robbins. Dolly was trembling, and it did not seem as if she could control herself much longer; but soon they went away. Then she had to rest long in one of the pews to quiet her nerves. “What ails you, Dolly?” her mother exclaimed, when she saw her. “You look too ill to stand! You ought to go straight to bed while I brew some herbs for you.” “Oh, mother, I can’t go to bed,” said Dolly. “I must see John!” “Would I were John!” said a mocking voice. Dolly’s heart sank within her. She had not noticed the captain as she entered. With an effort she summoned one of her saucy smiles. “Good-even, Mr. Robbins--this is an unexpected pleasure! You have not been here for so long--why, not since yesterday!” “Come and entertain me, since I please you so much,” laughed the captain. “No,” said Dolly, “it would not be proper to show it. I prefer to talk to Betty.”