Joe and the others were now beside them, and doing what they could to soothe the weeping girl. “Let’s get her into the house,” said Joe. “Hide me somewhere!” implored Mary. “Don’t let ’em get me. I never stole the things.” “Who said you stole?” asked her mother. “Mrs. Cornhill and the rest. They claim they have been missing things right along since I have been there, but I never took a thing. I do not care what they say.” “Don’t let that worry you, my child. We will not believe it, and they shall not touch you.” “They will!” she panted. “The sheriff is after me now. I ran away from him and the others, but they are following me. I ran all the way up here.” “I wish Rob was here,” said Joe, the tears filling her eyes. “But they shan’t take you away, Mary, if we can help it.” “You can’t. Let me hide somewhere.” “You shall,” cried her mother. “Come into the house.” The others followed the mother and her daughter, not knowing what to do or say. “I do not believe they will come way up here after you,” said Joe, more hopefully than she felt. “They will. I heard ’Squire Hardy say that he would send every one of us to the jail or county farm inside of two weeks. And that boy of his shouted after me, and when I ran he gave chase. He overtook me, but when he tried to drag me back, or hold me until the sheriff got there, I pushed him over the bank and ran again.” “Did--did you kill him?” fairly gasped her mother. “I don’t know. Where can I hide?” Confused and excited, the others began to look about for some corner or place of concealment for the fugitive girl, without stopping to think if it was right or wrong to do so, when Chick dashed into the house crying: “They are coming--right here--’Squire Hardy, Sheriff Stanyan, and two or three others!” “We’re too late!” moaned Mrs. Little. “I will fight before they shall take her away.” “You must not do that,” said Joe. “Then they would take you, too. Quick, mother, get Mary into the closet in my room, while I go out and stop them, so they shall not come into the house.” By the time the brave Joe had reached the door the officer and his companions were within a few yards of the house. At sight of her they stopped, the sheriff saying: “We want the girl who has been at work to Deacon Cornhill’s. If she will come out peacefully the rest of you will not be troubled.” “At this time,” added ’Squire Hardy. “What do you want of Mary Little?” asked Joe, showing very little fear as she spoke. “I am not obliged to answer that, miss. Stand aside and let me come in.” “This is our house, sir, and I do not know as I am obliged to let you come in until you have told me your errand.” Joe was surprised at the calmness with which she spoke, and she stood at her post undaunted. “I will show the little vixen who is who!” cried the infuriated sheriff. “Let me come in, girl, or I will----”