His lips moved in unworded mutterings, his eyes intent upon Doak--now sitting by the closed door--or else glancing about the hall to see if any one were approaching his place of concealment. When Doak was again summoned within the room, Gilbert thought to improve the chance for making his escape; but seeing that the door was open a few inches, he concluded to wait. Then he saw the fisherman come out with the prisoner, and he uttered a low curse when the young man turned to meet the girl's eyes before the door closed behind him. Before the sound of their footsteps died away down the hall, Farmer Gilbert left his hiding-place and hastened below, sitting down on the steps to replace his shoes, as one of the women servants came along. "Got a pebble, or summat, in my shoe," he explained, raising his head; for the girl had stopped, and was staring at him curiously. "Did ye have to take off both shoes to find it?" she asked pertly. He did not answer, and she passed on to the tap-room, whither he followed her. Less than an hour after this, as Mary and Dorothy were in their little parlor, talking over the recent happenings, the landlady came to announce that General Washington desired to see them at once. They observed, as they passed along the hall, that some fresh excitement seemed to prevail, for they could see that the taproom was filled with men, many of whom were talking animatedly. The door of Washington's room stood open, and they saw him in earnest conversation with two other officers, who withdrew as the girls entered. He welcomed them kindly, although seeming preoccupied,--as if pressed by some new matter which disturbed him. "A messenger has brought information that a body of the enemy is coming in this direction," he said, speaking quite hurriedly. "It is therefore prudent that we go our ways with all proper speed, and I wish to urge your own immediate departure. I regret that our routes lie in different directions; but I will send the man Doak to escort you, as it appears he is well known to your family." Seeing the consternation in the girls' faces, he added reassuringly: "There is no cause for alarm, for you have ample time to put a safe distance between yourselves and the approaching British. I think it probable they will halt for a time here, at the tavern, for this seems to be their objective point." "Do you think there is like to be a battle?" Mary inquired nervously. Washington smiled at her fears. "No," he answered. "It is but a moderate-sized force--probably reconnoitring. We shall, I trust, have the enemy well out of Boston erelong, without the risk or slaughter of a battle." Then he added: "But we are losing valuable time, and I have something more pleasant than battles to speak about. I take it, Mistress Devereux,"--and he turned to Mary,--"that your little sister here has made you aware of what passed between us but an hour ago?"