He paused suddenly, for he had caught sight of the intent face of the highwayman and the covetous snap of his eyes. His voice, when he resumed, had fallen much lower; and in a few moments the two left the porch and entered a private room of the inn. While he ate his supper of capon pie and smacked his lips over his stone mug the gentleman of the road smiled grimly. Ethan and Hale shortly withdrew, and once clear of the room they looked at each other significantly. “The paper,” said Dale, “will soon be sought by good Master Hatfield, if I am not much mistaken.” Just then the chuckle-headed attendant at the inn came out and called to a hostler who stood at the stable door. “What’s wanted?” asked the latter. “You’re to bring up the carriage for the two gentlemen immediately,” said the other. His mistress, her eyes full of anger, appeared behind him at this and whirled him within as she hissed, “You thick-head! Were you not told to give the order quietly?” “They have taken the alarm,” commented Dale, referring to Danvers and Wheelock. “The knight of the road did not impress them.” “They will not wait for refreshments, even,” said Ethan. “And night is falling, too. They would be safer if they remained.” Night had come upon the still countryside while they stood talking before the inn; and the darkness was growing deeper and deeper with each passing moment. When the stable-men brought the carriage around to the front its lamps were lit and glimmered redly. “These two travelers must be in a hurry,” said one of the men to the other. “Indeed, yes,” answered the second. “It’s going to be a dark night, and they’ll have trouble before they reach the highroad to London. This one is badly cut up a piece below here.” “But the road won’t be their greatest hindrance,” whispered the first speaker. “Don’t you see that Master Hatfield has ordered out Black George? There is Will Hampton with him now.” The two Americans turned their eyes instantly toward a side door to the stable, from which came the faint glimmer of a lantern. A third groom was leading the great black horse of Hatfield out into the yard; and in the sickly flare of the light they also made out the tall figure of the highwayman, bending over and looking to the priming of his pistols. “I must get the dispatch at once,” said Ethan hurriedly. He was about darting into the inn, but Dale caught him by the arm. “Not so fast,” said the Virginian. “Let Danvers know who you are and he’ll sell us out without hesitation.” “You are right,” said Ethan. A clatter of hoofs upon the stones caused them to turn once more toward the stable-yard. Master Dirk Hatfield had thrown himself into the saddle, and now with a wave of his hand to the hostler, which looked much like a warning to silence, he disappeared in the gloom. Danvers and Wheelock soon came out and entered their vehicle. “Well?” said Dale inquiringly.