I explained in few words the good fortune which had seemingly come to us, and while talking I held her hand in mine, to which she did not object. Then we entered the cave, arousing the others, and explaining to them not only why we had come, but the plans we had formed in the way of falling upon those who attacked the cave, saying in conclusion: “It has been agreed that you shall say how many, and who, are to go back at once, Master Morley, and I pray that we be able to set off without delay, lest we meet enemies on the path.” “You may take Oscar, who is fit to travel that distance in the night, Daniel and Esther and Miles Parker. So many should be able to carry all the stores we have gathered here, and leave us with no other burden than the wounded when we join you.” I cried out against his sending away all the able-bodied, save the three women; but he insisted that since we were to be on the outside to take part in the battle, if one came off, he had all the help that would be needed, therefore those selected to go made their preparations. If I have failed to say anything regarding the manner in which our comrades received the news we brought, it is because words are not needed. One can readily understand that when a party of fugitives, about to be driven from their place of refuge, suddenly learn that another and more secure place has been found, the joy and relief are great. Within half an hour after Giles and I arrived, the little company was ready to set out, each carrying a full load, and when we filed out of the cave, which had sheltered us so well in the hour of our extremity, I took Esther Hinchman’s hand in mine that we might walk side by side. We made the journey to the river without mishap, although it seemed long and tedious to the others, owing to the heavy burdens we carried; but to me it was a pleasure jaunt ever to be remembered because of her who walked by my side. Master Bartlett was on the watch for us, and as we were led directly into the ruins, each stepping in the tracks of the one in advance that the trail might not be too plain, it was possible to see what the old man had done. One of the stones in the wall of which I have spoken was removed, leaving an opening sufficiently large for us to crawl through, and on walking the length of the tunnel I found that end which gave on the river choked up with logs and half-burned timbers. “I haven’t finished the work at that end,” Master Bartlett said when I joined the others after the inspection. “There will be time enough later, and when daylight comes I am counting on starting a fire among the charred timbers in order to hide our trail. There is an hour yet remaining before morning, and you had best get what sleep you can. Eben Towle put up a sort of partition in one corner here, therefore Esther Hinchman may have a room to herself.”