ou 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."

"True," answered the officer gazing at the door thoughtfully. "True,
Mr. Owen, yet am I minded to explore it. I like not to leave any place
unsearched. It may be that our man is young, and that that is the very
place where he lies concealed. Is there a ladder?"

"There was one, but 'tis at the carpenter's shop to be mended,"
answered Mr. Owen. He looked vaguely about the kitchen. "I see not how
thee is to get up," he said.

"I think I could get up there." Fairfax Johnson sprang lightly upon
the table as he spoke. "Will some one hand me a chair?"

"That's the idea," cried the sheriff approvingly. "Still, young man,
before you undertake this you must understand that there is risk
attending it. You will be completely at the mercy of any one who
happens to be up there. You understand that, don't you?"

"Well, some one must go," replied Fairfax. "One of your men would take
the risk in case I don't. Won't he?"

"Yes; but---- Well, go on." A chair was passed up to him, and the
youth mounting it pushed the trap-door back slowly.

Peggy's hand involuntarily went to