ever
forgets his word in that way. It's your turn, this time. It will be
mine the next, and when it is, take care."

The only reply was a shot from Reuben, aimed in the direction from
which the voice came. A minute later there was a trampling of
horses.

"They are gone!" Shillito exclaimed.

"Perhaps it is only a trick, to draw us out," Dick suggested.

"No, I don't think it's that," Reuben said. "They are not strong
enough to send a party off, and to attack us with the rest. No, I
think they have gone. They know that we can't follow them.

"They have taken good care of that," he added bitterly, as he
glanced at the stables, which were now a sheet of flame. "However,
we will look round and see."

The three men descended to the room below and, being joined by the
two hands, removed the furniture piled against the door, and threw
it open.

"We mustn't go round to that side of the house, so as to get into
the glare of the fire, till we have looked round," Reuben said. "I
believe they are all gone; but they may have left a couple of them
lurking, somewhere about, to pick us off when we show in the light.

"I will take one of your hands, Caister, and scout round on one
side. Do you three go the other side."

A quarter of an hour later the two parties met near the stables,
where the fire was now burning low. The roof had fallen in, and
only some of the uprights were erect, with flicking flames licking
them as they stood glowing above the mass of still blazing debris.

"I wonder whether that poor fellow is under that?" Reuben said.

"I hope not, indeed. I fancy he must have got away. He might have
slipped off when they first rode up. He may be hiding somewhere
round, afraid to come near till he knows how matters have turned
out."

So saying, he gave a loud cooey. They stood silent for a minute,
but no answer came back.

"There is nothing to be done, till morning," Dick said, "and it's
no use hanging about here. Before it gets light I will start for
Watson's. There are two of your men there; and they, with the two
Watsons and ourselves, can set out after these fellows, if you are
agreeable. That is, as soon as we get hold of some horses."

"I hardly think I shall be justified in taking you," Reuben said,
as he walked back towards the house. "These scoundrels are all
armed to the teeth, and they are first-rate shots. They know every
foot of the country, and against anything like equal numbers they
would make