They may not stop."
And, indeed, it seemed that the lieutenant's prophecy would prove
correct.
The squadron came on without checking their speed; but, just as they
swept by the farmhouse, a squad of a dozen men, headed by an officer,
detached themselves from the main body, and headed toward the house.
"We are in for it again," remarked Hal, and drew his revolver.
"Put that away!" exclaimed the young captain quickly. "One shot and the
whole troop will be on us!"
Hal dropped his weapon back into his pocket.
At that instant there came a loud knock at the front door.
The good housewife hastened forward to answer the knock, but was
intercepted by the Frenchman.
"Do not answer!" he commanded.
The woman stared at him aghast.
"Why," she exclaimed, "it is probably my husband. He is a cavalry
officer, you know," and she smiled, and made as if to pass.
But the captain again blocked her way.
"Nevertheless," he said, "I must ask you not to go to the door."
The woman gazed at him a moment in astonishment; then a queer look passed
over her face.
"I see!" she exclaimed. "You are spies!"
With a scream she evaded the captain and rushed to the door.
"Come!" cried Captain Derevaux, his effort having failed. "I guess we
shall have to make a run for it!"
"Out the back door!" exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson, and the four ran
through the house, went down the steps three at a time, and rushed toward
their horses in the stable nearby.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71