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."

"He?" Sheriff Will looked up with a laugh. "Come, come! that sounds
interesting. Let's have him in, Miss Sally, and see what he looks
like."

"Yes, my dear," spoke Mrs. Owen. "Thee has not finished thy supper.
Sit down, and thy escort shall come in, and have supper too."

Peggy's heart almost stopped beating at this, and the color forsook
Sally's cheeks. Neither of them had foreseen anything of this kind,
and they were rendered speechless by the untoward incident. Sally was
saved the necessity of a reply by Robert Dale.

"I think I object, Mistress Owen," he said speaking with deliberation.
"Any one who is going to take Sally away from us doesn't deserve any
supper. I was promising myself the pleasure of seeing her home."

"Oh, ho!" roared the sheriff. "Sits the wind in that quarter!"

"Never mind, Mrs. Owen," spoke Sally, her quick wit taking advantage
of the diversion. "I will bring him to see thee when Robert isn't
about. And I really must go. Mother expected me this afternoon, but so
much hath happened that I overstayed my time. I dare say she is
waiting supper for me. Good-night, and good-bye to all," she added.
She made a f