"Oh, will thee hurry," pleaded the girl bringing the boots from the entry way. "There is so little time, my cousin. To-morrow I will come to thee at Sally's, and then we can have a long talk. Now thee must act. Sukey may come in at any time. Or Tom. Oh!" in a despairing tone as the latch of the door leading into the main building clicked its warning. "'Tis too late. Why, 'tis Sally!" "Thee forgot the quince conserve, Peggy," said Sally trying vainly to act as though Peggy was alone. "Thy mother sent me for it. She told Sukey to come, but I jumped up and said that I would get it." "Sally, this is Clifford," spoke Peggy. "And oh, he won't hurry. He talks of trouble and worry when he should be doing. Clifford, this is my dearest friend, Sally Evans." "Truly thee would better be in haste," said Sally, making her best bow. "Thee must see that every moment adds to thy cousin's distress, and also to thy danger. I marvel that the sheriff's men have left us so long alone. Mother and I will in truth welcome thee." "But I have no claim upon you," he expostulated. "For you to take such a risk for an Englishman----" "As an Englishman thee hasn't a particle of claim, of course," interrupted Sally. "As an Englishman thee deserves anything that might happen, but as a human being in distress thee has every claim upon us. Now hadn't thee better be moving? Where is the conserve, Peggy?" "How do I know that I can trust you?" he said abruptly. "Clifford!" exclaimed Peggy indignantly, but Sally laughed, and swept him a deep courtesy. "Peggy must have told thee what an ogress I am," she said. "Know then, Friend Clifford, that I have a deep and dark dungeon where I cast all Englishmen of thy profession. If thee is afraid thee would better take thy chances with the night and storm." "Afraid?" he echoed, a deep flush mantling his brow. "I, Clifford Owen, afraid?" "Then thee had better put on those boots, and be about thy departure," said Sally calmly. "Peggy, if we don't take in those conserves the supper will be over. Hurry, friend. Keep thy cloak well about thee to hide that uniform, and on no account venture into the hall. Thee will not have to wait for me. Come, Peggy." But before Peggy followed her she ran to Clifford and clasped his hand. "'Tis the only way, my cousin," she whispered. "And oh, do be quick." "I will, Peggy," he replied. "Fear nothing. I will carry out my part." With palpitating heart Peggy went with Sally into the dining-room, and resumed her task of waiting on the table. Sally reseated herself and joined merrily in the conversation. It seemed a long time ere the great knocker on the front door sounded. In reality it was but a few moments after the girls left the kitchen. Sukey entered the hall to answer it before Peggy could reach the door. The darkey reentered the room almost immediately. "A pusson has come fer Miss Sally," she announced. "He say he am come ter take her home."