A buzz of commendation left no doubt of the wisdom of his course. "But what about his threat to burn the building?" asked Sterry, addressing no one in particular. "He will do it, or at least will try it," replied Hawkridge, "for he doesn't intend any one shall have time to interfere, as may be the case if he delays too long." "To set fire to the house," remarked the captain, who had given much thought to the question, "they must first reach it, and that manoeuvre will prove a costly one to them. I suspect that some other firing will take place about that time--eh, boys?" The response revealed the feelings of the men, who were chafing under their restraint. "But, surely," continued Sterry, "they do not mean to burn the building while Mrs. Whitney and her daughter are within?" "As was said some time ago," replied Hawkridge, "that makes little difference, since it is not to be supposed that even we will stay inside during the conflagration. The firing is meant to drive us out, and it will do it." "But there must be considerable shooting, and the ladies will be in danger." "I think Inman will order us to send them out, so as to prevent harm to them." "If they were Sioux or Crows they might launch burning arrows and fire-balls; but they can't do that, and will have to run some risk in getting the flames under way." "There are signs of a storm, and if the night proves dark it will be much in their favor and against us." "Suppose they fire the stables," suggested one of the men. "They are too far off to place us in danger, unless a strong wind should blow directly this way." "Well, boys," said Capt. Asbury, hopefully, "the thing isn't through yet. I think Inman will give us another message before opening the ball, so you may rest easy until he makes his next move." Meanwhile Hawkridge had managed to deliver the little twist of paper, placed in his hand by Vesey. Inasmuch as the matter had been managed with so much care, he deemed it right that no one should see the transfer to his friend. Sterry was surprised and glanced down at the object, but, quick to catch on, closed his palm again and took part in the conversation. It was some minutes before he gained a chance to examine the contents unobserved. When he did so, they proved so important that he called Hawkridge and the captain aside and showed the letter to them. Each read it in turn, the contents being as follows: "FRIEND STERRY: You acted square with me, and I will do the same with you. Inman doesn't expect you folks to accept his terms, for if you do it will be good-by to yourself and Capt. Asbury. It would suit me very well to see him go, as he will if we get a chance at him, but I can't bear the idea of anything bad happening to you after the way you stood by me last night when that Asbury meant to shoot me.