"We have looked through it thoroughly," declared the sheriff emphatically. "And the barn, and all other buildings. 'Tis most mysterious. He hath disappeared as unaccountably as though whisked out of sight on a witch's broom. Well, boys, scatter about the grounds again, and see if you can't find some trace. Some one in the house hath aided in the escape," he said, turning again to Mr. Owen as the men obeyed his order. "I do not see who could have done so," returned David Owen with a troubled look. "There is not one of the household who is not a consistent Whig, and there hath been no opportunity for anything of the sort. When we have not been together in the sitting-room we have been at the table. The girls washed the dishes in the dining-room, but joined us immediately afterward. From the laughter that accompanied the act I would be willing to wager that no British prisoner had any share in it." Peggy did not see the quick glance that passed between Robert Dale and Fairfax Johnson. She had been absent from the room fully a half hour longer than the other girls, but evidently her father had not noticed the fact. Fairfax Johnson spoke abruptly: "Suppose we take a look about the grounds, Major Dale." "Your pardon, gentlemen," interposed Sheriff Will. "I cannot allow you to go unless one of my men accompanies you. You see all of you are more or less under suspicion until the matter is cleared up, and I prefer that you remain in sight." "Just as you say, sir," replied the youth quickly. "I thought only to be of service." "I see not where the fellow could have gone," mused David Owen, whose distress was evident. "Would that he might be found, if only to release us from suspicion." "Well, have you found anything?" demanded the sheriff as his men reentered the dwelling. "Come into the kitchen, boys. It grows cold." "And dark, Mr. Will," announced one of the men. "Too dark to see much. We shall have to give up for the night." "I fear so," answered the sheriff grumblingly. His manner showed that he was far from satisfied with the result of the search. The house had been gone through thoroughly, and every place that could afford a possible hiding-place ransacked. David Owen and the two youths were of the army. The family was noted for its patriotism, and had offered no objection to the search, yet he showed that he was reluctant to give up. He stood meditatively before the fire, his hands clasped behind him, his glance roving about the room. Suddenly he started forward, and an excited "Ah!" escaped him. Peggy turned pale, for his eye was resting upon the trap-door. Her father's glance followed the sheriff's. "If any went through that door, Friend Will," he said casually, "'twas one who is much younger than either of us. In truth, none but a slender youth could draw himself through that door."