"I know not," answered Sally. "I only know that 'tis true, and 'tis
pity we are so constituted. And see, Peggy! The poor fellow is so
beset by Betty that he can scarce cut the ham. Shall we go to his
rescue?"

"Indeed 'tis time," laughed Peggy. "Everything is ready for the supper
too. Robert, thee has cut that beef well. I knew not that the domestic
arts were so well taught in camp."

"We learn many things, Peggy," returned he. "Camp hath taught me to
carve all foods. And not only the art of carving hath been taught me,
but the far greater one of obtaining the food to carve. Our friend
yonder hath evidently not had so much experience, or else Betty's
presence hath converted his fingers into thumbs."

"'Tis Betty, I fear," answered Peggy with a laugh. "Do help him,
Robert, while the rest of us carry in the things."

Fairfax resigned the ham to Robert Dale with relief, but did not stay
to profit by his expertness. Instead he took a large platter which
Peggy was carrying from her, and passed through the entry into the
dining-room.

"I will run up for the boots," he told the girl on coming back to the
hallway. "I shall put them in the entry way."

Peggy nodded, and went in to see that all was in readiness for the
meal. The sheriff and his men viewed the bountifully spread table with
looks of complacence, and presently every one was gathered around the
table. As was natural in the daughter of the house Peggy assisted in
the waiting, and was back and forth from the kitchen with tea, hot
chocolate, rusks, or whatever might be needed. At length, the
opportunity she wished for came, and she found herself alone in the
kitchen with Sukey safe for the time being in the dining-room. She
lost not a moment.

"Clifford," she called softly.

"Yes, my cousin." The trap-door was swung back, and Clifford Owen's
face appeared at the opening. "I say," he said, "that was a close
shave, wasn't it? If our friend Fairfax had not been the prince of
good fellows where would I be now?"

"Where thee will be unless thee acts quickly," replied his cousin. "He
fears that the sheriff will make another search. Thee must swing
thyself down, Clifford." She placed a chair upon the table as she
finished speaking, and held it to steady it. In an instant he stood
beside her.

"Thou art to go home with my friend, Sally Evans," explained the girl.
"'Tis dangerous to stay here, my cousin."

"Yes, I know," he answered. "I heard them talking. I tel