escape. Theories as to how it had been
accomplished would be endless and the pursuit delayed.

I stooped and removed a pistol from Kirby's pocket, dropping it,
together with such ammunition as I could find, into one of my own. The
man by this time was breathing heavily, although his eyes remained
closed, and he still lay exactly as he had fallen.

"Keep your own weapon," I commanded her. "Hide it away in your dress.
Now come with me."

She obeyed, uttering no word of objection, and stepping after me
through the open window onto the narrow balcony without. I reached up
and drew down the shade, leaving us in comparative darkness. The night
was soundless and our eyes, straining to pierce the black void, were
unable to detect any movement.

"You see nothing?" I whispered, touching her hand in encouragement.
"No evidence of a guard anywhere?"

"No--the others must still be out in front waiting."

"There were only the four of them then?"

"So I understood. I was told they came up the river in a small
keel-boat, operated by an engine, and that they anticipated no
resistance. The engineer was left to watch the boat and be ready to
depart down stream at any moment."

"Good; that leaves us a clear passage. Now I am going to drop to the
ground; it is not far below. Can you make it alone?"

"I have done so many a time."

We attained the solid earth almost together and in silence.

"Now let me guide you," she suggested, as I hesitated. "I know every
inch of the way about here. Where is the negro waiting?"

"At the edge of the wood where the wagon road ends, beyond the slave
quarters."

"Yes, I know; it will be safer for us to go around the garden."

She flitted forward, sure-footed, confident, and I followed as rapidly
as possible through the darkness, barely keeping her dim figure in
sight. We skirted the rear fence, and then the blacker shadow of the
wood loomed up somber before us. Our feet stumbled over the ruts of a
road and I seemed to vaguely recognize the spot as familiar. Yes, away
off yonder was the distant gleam of the river reflecting the stars.
This must be the very place where Pete and I had parted, but--where had
the fellow gone? I caught at her sleeve, but as she paused and turned
about, could scarcely discern the outlines of her face in the gloom.

"Here is where he was directed to wait," I explained, hurriedly.
"Before I left he had turned his mule around under this very tree. I
a