od things of the land, we will spend our days in ease and
pleasantness! The Malignants shall work for us. They shall toil in our
tobacco fields, their women shall be our handmaidens, we will drink
their wines, and wear their rich clothing, and our pockets shall be
filled with their gold and silver--"

"Silence!" cried Landless fiercely. "Once more I tell you, mad dreamers
that you are, that there shall be no such devil's work! Major Havisham,
there are not among us many of this ilk. Two thirds of our number are
men of the stamp of Robert Godwyn and yourself. These men rave."

"I heed them not," said Havisham with a slighting gesture of the hand;
then, "Let us recapitulate. Upon this appointed day we whom they call
Oliverians, and the great majority of the redemptioners, are to rise
throughout the colony. We--"

"Are to do no damage to property nor offer any unnecessary violence to
masters and overseers," said Landless firmly.

"We are simply to arm ourselves, seize horses or boats, and resort to
this appointed place."

"Yes."

"Calling upon the slaves to follow us?"

"Which they will do. Yes."

"And when all are assembled, to oppose any force sent against us?"

"Yes."

"And if we conquer, then--"

"Then the Republic,--Commonwealth,--anything you choose--at any rate,
freedom."

"It is a desperate plan."

"We are desperate men."

"Yes," Havisham said thoughtfully; "it is the best chance for that
escape of which we all dream, and which two of our number, I see, have
attempted in vain. I had set to-morrow night for my own attempt. This
promises better."

"Yea," said Porringer, "the stars in their courses fight against the
refugee! Four times have I tried, to be retaken, and handled, as you
see. Twice has this man tried and failed. And the murderer of Robert
Godwyn failed."

"That remains to be seen," said Trail. "Roach has broken gaol."

The Muggletonian exclaimed, and Landless turned upon the forger. "How
do you know?" he asked sternly.

"I heard," was the smooth reply.

"I am sorry for it," said Landless grimly, and stood with a sternly
thoughtful countenance.

There was a silence in the tobacco house broken by Havisham.

"And now--for time passes and the overseer may come and find us not at
our tasks--tell me the day upon which we are to rise, and the place to
which all are to resort."

"Both are close at hand," said Landless slowly. "The day is--" he broke
off and leaned forward, staring t